Laser Interactions in Nanomaterials Synthesis -- Basic Physics of Femtosecond Laser Ablation -- Atomic/Molecular-Level Simulations of Laser–Materials Interactions -- Continuum Models of Ultrashort Pulsed Laser Ablation -- Cluster Synthesis and Cluster-Assembled Film Deposition in Nanosecond Pulsed Laser Ablation -- Nanoparticle Formation by Femtosecond Laser Ablation -- UV Laser Ablation of Polymers: From Structuring to Thin Film Deposition -- Deposition of Polymer and Organic Thin Films Using Tunable, Ultrashort-Pulse Mid-Infrared Lasers -- Fundamentals and Applications of MAPLE -- Advanced Biomimetic Implants Based on Nanostructured Coatings Synthesized by Pulsed Laser Technologies -- Laser Direct Writing of Idealized Cellular and Biologic Constructs for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine -- Ultrafast Laser Processing of Glass Down to the Nano-Scale -- Free Electron Laser Synthesis of Functional Coatings -- PLD of Piezoelectric and Ferroelectric Materials -- Lasers in Cultural Heritage: The Non-Contact Intervention.

The book grew from the lectures of the International School "Laser-surface interactions for new materials production: tailoring structure and properties" held in Venice (Italy) from 13 to 20 July, 2008. It is an updated overview concerning nanosecond and ultra-short laser-induced phenomena, and the related diagnostics. The principles of laser-surface interactions are discussed and the strong interplay between experimental and theoretical investigations highlighted. Material classes span from polymers to ceramics and metals, including piezoelectrics, ferroelectrics, biomaterials, glasses, functional coatings. Laser direct writing, lasers in cultural heritage and MAPLE are considered and computer modelling focuses on atomic-level simulations and on continuum models.