• Principles of Lasers by Orazio Svelto , 4th Ed., (Plenum Publishing Corp, 1998). Cost ~$60.

Emphasizes the physics of lasers over the mathematical aspects of lasers, and presents the subject in the simplest terms compatible with a correct physical understanding. A fine textbook for junior/senior or graduate courses.  - An oldie but still my favorite. Of course I may be prejudiced since I had an undergraduate laser physics out of this one.

• Quantum Electronics, 3rd Edition, by Amnon Yariv (Wiley, 1989).  Cost ~$110.

Definitely a graduate level text and not for the faint of heart. But what can I say, many consider this the bible of quantum electronics and I don't want to be a heretic. Introduces the main principles involved in the study and practice of quantum electronics, which include the theory of laser oscillators, a wide range of optical phenomena, and devices that owe their existence to the intense and coherent optical fields made possible by the laser. Emphasis is on fundamental principles.  This book is very good for graduate students who focus on quantum world, but my experience was that you usually need to read it at least twice to fully understand  the author's meaning. This book is to the field of quantum electronics as Jackson's book is to classical electrodynamics. It is a valuable reference, providing a wealth of knowledge for those who can get through it. Prior knowledge of the subject is recommended before delving into "Quantum Electronics". 

• Lasers by Anthony E. Siegman (University Science Books, 1986). Cost ~$95.

An excellent combination of a technical reference and theoretical treatise of laser physics and practical application. Not for those with weak backs - At almost 1300 pages, carrying this book around for a semester or two could increase chiropractic visits. As challenging as it needs to be, but no more so. The greatest reference! If you are looking for quick answers and canned solutions - this is not book for you. Almost all there is to know about lasers. A good textbook, but enough material for three courses. Its size and price was a little more than I was willing to subject students to this semester.

• Lasers by Peter W. Milonni and Joseph H. Eberly (Wiley, 1988).  Cost ~$130.

Milonni and Eberly have found a good compromise in LASERS. While an excellent advanced undergrad or intermediate grad. text, it isn't as exhaustive as Siegman's LASERS. On the other hand, it contains peripheral material about non-linear optics which many texts on lasers should include, but don't. LASERS is perfect for proceeding further with more in depth studies of advanced topics in lasers (as treated in Siegman). Its price was a little more than I was willing to subject students to this semester.

Some other books on lasers and their applications that I have found less useful, at a lower level than this course, or somewhat dated are given below:

Basic Laser Books 

1. The Laser Guidebook by Jeff Hecht. (McGraw-Hill, 1986). 
2. Optics and Lasers : Including Fibers and Optical Waveguides by Matt Young (Springer-Verlag, 1992). 
3. Understanding Lasers : an Entry-level Guide by Jeff Hecht (IEEE Press, 1994). 
4. Engineering Applications of Lasers and Holography by Winston E. Kock. (Plenum Press, 1975). 
5. Fundamentals of Laser Optics by Kenichi Iga ; technical editor, Richard B. Miles (Plenum Press, 1994). 
6. Introduction to Laser Physics by Koichi Shimoda (Springer-Verlag, 1986). 
7. Introduction to Lasers and their Applications by Donald C. O'Shea, W. Russell Callen, and William T. Rhodes (Addison-Wesley Pub. Co., 1977). 
8. Introduction to Optical Electronics by Yariv, Amnon (Holt, Rinehart and Winston 1971.) 
9. Laser Handbook Ed. by F. T. Arecchi and E. O. Schulz-Dubois (North-Holland Pub. Co.; New York, American Elsevier Pub. Co., 1972). 
10. Introduction to Optics and Lasers in Engineering by Gabriel Laufer (Cambridge University Press, 1996).
11. Lasers and Light - Readings From Scientific American (W. H. Freeman 1969). 
12. Lasers and Optical Engineering by  P. Das (Springer-Verlag, 1991). 

Special Laser Types

1. Crystalline Lasers: Physical Processes and Operating Schemes byAlexander A. Kaminskii (CRC Press, 1996). 

Medical Applications of Lasers

1. Laser Ablation : Principles and Applications by John C. Miller, ed. (Springer Verlag, 1994). 
2. Lasers : The Perioperative Challenge byKay A. Ball (Mosby, 1995). 
3. Ophthalmic Lasers by Francis A. L'Esperance, Jr.(Mosby, 1989).
4. Laser Applications in Medicine and Biology edited by M. L. Wolbarsht (Plenum Press, 1971).
5. Primer on Laser Angioplasty edited by Robert Ginsburg (Futura Pub. Co., 1989).

Advanced Level Laser Books

1. Laser Electronics by Joseph T. Verdeyen (Prentice Hall, 1995). 
2. Lasers, Theory and Applications by K. Thyagarajan and A.K. Ghatak (Plenum Press, 1981). 
3. Optical Electronics by Amnon Yariv (Saunders College Publishing, 1991.) 

Laser Applications in Industry

1. Laser Machining : Theory and Practice by George Chryssolouris (Springer-Verlag, 1991).
2. Lasers in Manufacturing : An Introduction to the Technology  by J.T. Luxon, D.E. Parker (Springer-Verlag, 1987). 

General Books on Lasers

1. The Laser in America, 1950-1970 by Joan Lisa Bromberg (MIT Press, 1991).
2. Laser Speckle and Related Phenomena  edited by J.C. Dainty (Springer-Verlag, 1984). 
3. Laser-beam interactions with materials : physical principles and applications by Martin von Allmen (Springer-Verlag, 1987). 
4. Lasers in Acoustics by F.V. Bunkin, Al. A. Kolomensky, V.G. Mikhalevich (Harwood Academic Publishers, 1991). 
5. Optical Waves in Crystals: Propagation and Control of Laser Radiation by Amnon Yariv (Wiley, 1984). 
6. Laser Communications in Space by Stephen G. Lambert and William L. Casey (Artech House, 1995). 
7. Introduction to Laser Fusion by C. Yamanaka (Harwood Academic Publishers, 1991).
8. Laser Beam Propagation in the Atmosphere edited by J. W. Strohbehn (Springer-Verlag, 1978). 
9. Laser Acceleration of Particles edited by Paul J. Channell (American Institute of Physics, 1982). 
10. Laser Light Scattering: Basic Principles and Practice by Benjamin Chu (Academic Press, 1991). 
11. Laser Speckle and Related Phenomena edited by J. C. Dainty (Springer-Verlag, 1975). 
12. Lasers in Chemistry by  David L. Andrews (Springer-Verlag, 1990). 
13. Laser Applications in Physical Chemistry by edited by D.K. Evans (M. Dekker, 1989). 
14. Optical and Laser Remote Sensing edited by, D.K. Killinger and A. Mooradian (Springer-Verlag, 1983). 
15. Masers and Lasers : An Historical Approach byM. Bertolotti (A. Hilger, 1983). 

Experiments Using Lasers

1. Exploring Laser light : Laboratory Exercises and Lecture Demonstrations Performed with Low-power Helium-Neon Gas Lasers by T. Kallard. (Optosonic Press, 1977). 
2. Elementary Experiments with Lasers by G. Wright. (Springer-Verlag, 1973). 
3. The Laser: A Module on Modern Optics and Quantum Mechanics - Experiments (McGraw-Hill, 1975)
4. Laser Experiments for Beginners  by Richard N. Zare (University Science Books, 1995). 

Laser Safety

1. Laser and Eye Safety in the Laboratory  by Larryl Matthews, Gabe Garcia. (IEEE Press ; Bellingham, Wash. : SPIE Optical Engineering Press, 1995). 
2. Safety with Lasers and Other Optical Sources : A Comprehensive Handbook by David Sliney and Myron Wolbarsht (Plenum Press, 1980).