Don't let the mathematical rigor of solutions get in the way of understanding the concepts. Complete with downloadable spreadsheets, this novel text presents algebraic models and traditional calculus-based methods in tandem to make concepts easier to digest. Each technique is introduced alongside a practical, solved example based on a commercial laser. Chapters address gain saturation, thermal effects on solid-state lasers, Q-switching, non-linear optics, and more. Laser theory is covered in an accessible way that can be applied immediately, and numerically, to real laser systems.