Digital holography and digital image processing are twins born by computer era. They share origin, theoretical base, methods and algorithms. The present book describes these common fundamentals principles, methods and algorithms including image and hologram digitization, data compression, digital transforms and efficient computational algorithms, statistical and Monte-Carlo methods, image restoration and enhancement, image reconstruction in tomography and digital holography, discrete signal resampling and image geometrical transformations, accurate measurements and reliable target localization in images, recording and reconstruction of computer generated holograms, adaptive and nonlinear filters for sensor signal perfecting and image restoration and enhancement. The book combines theory, heavily illustrated practical methods and efficient computational algorithms and is written for senior-level undergraduate and graduate students, researchers and engineers in optics, photonics, opto-electronics and electronic engineering.

This revised and updated edition of a highly relevant monograph describes fascinating recent progress in the field of chaos, stability, and instability of semiconductor lasers. Applications and future prospects are discussed in detail. The book emphasizes the various dynamics induced in semiconductor lasers by optical and electronic feedback, optical injection, and injection current modulation. Recent results of both theoretical and experimental investigations are presented.

Transparent in the visible range, phase objects can be studied in the optical range using holographic interferometry. Typically, the holograms are recorded on high-resolving-power holographic photo materials, but a lower spatial resolution is sufficient for successful research in many scientific applications. Holographic Interferometry: A Mach-Zehnder Approach offers practical guidance to research scientists and engineers using Mach-Zehnder holographic interferometry methods to study phase objects in the laboratory. The Mach-Zehnder approach allows the use of standard photographic film and electronic CCD/CMOS sensors with low resolving power, making it a simpler and more affordable option for testing many types of phase objects. This book demonstrates how to use standard photographic film for the optical recording and reconstruction of Mach-Zehnder holograms. It also illustrates techniques for using CCD/CMOS cameras to digitally record Mach-Zehnder holograms/interferograms of transparent objects. Bringing together original research and information scattered throughout existing literature, this book focuses on the holographic reference beam and shearing interferometry methods. In particular, it looks at how these methods and optical schemes can be directly applied to testing aerodynamic flows, as well as to plasmas, shocks, and waves in noncoherent laser-matter interactions. Numerous reconstructed and classic interferograms, deflectograms, and Schlierengrams illustrate the material, helping readers develop and design their own optimal optical scheme and choose applicable details to apply the approach. Describing methods in a mathematically simple and accessible way, this book is also suitable for graduate students in the fields of aerospace engineering and optics, as well as those in laser, thermal, and plasma physics.

This new edition of a classic in the field has been expanded and enriched with new content and updated references.

The book covers the fundamental principles and surveys research of current thinkers and experts in the field with updated references of the key breakthroughs over the past decade and a half.

The high scienti?c interest in coherent X-ray light sources has stimulated world-wide e?orts in developing X-ray lasers. In this book a particularly promising approach is described, the free-electron laser (FEL), which is p- sued worldwide and holds the promise to deliver ultra-bright X-ray pulses of femtosecond duration. Other types of X-ray lasers are not discussed nor do we try a comparison of the relative virtues and drawbacks of di?erent concepts. The book has an introductory character and is written in the style of a universitytextbookforthemanynewcomerstothe?eldoffree-electronlasers, graduate students as well as accelerator physicists, engineers and technicians; it is not intended to be a scienti?c monograph for the experts in the ?eld. Building on lectures by one of us (J. R.) at the CERN Accelerator School, and motivated by the positive response to a series of seminars on "FEL t- ory for pedestrians," given by P. S. within the framework of the Academic Training Program at DESY, we have aimed at presenting the theory of the low-gainandthehigh-gainFELinaclearandconcisemathematicallanguage. Particular emphasis is put on explaining and justifying the assumptions and approximations that are needed to obtain the di?erential equations descr- ing the FEL dynamics. Although we have tried our best to be "simple," the mathematical derivations are certainly not always as simple as one would like them to be. However, we are not aware of any easier approach to the FEL theory. Some of the more involved calculations are put into the appendices.

Presents fundamental theories and simulations of the spatio-temporal dynamics and quantum fluctuations in semiconductor lasers. The dynamic interplay of light and matter is theoretically described by taking into account microscopic carrier dynamics, spatially dependent light-field propagation and the influence of spontaneous emission and noise.

For the first time in a book, this monograph describes relativistic and charge-displacement self-channelling, which is the major finding in the physics of superintense laser beams. It also presents general nonlinear models of lasers - plasma interactions specifically in the case of extremely high intensities.

Published on the occasion of Theodor H nsch's 60th Birthday emphasis is placed on precision related to results in a variety of fields, such as atomic clocks, frequency standards, and the measurement of physical constants in atomic physics. Furthermore, illustrations and engineering applications of the fundamentals of quantum mechanics are widely covered. It has contributions by Nobel prize winners Norman F. Ramsey, Steven Chu, and Carl E. Wieman.

Over the last decades, the use of lasers in artwork conservation has became an important tool for many conservators, scientists, architects and other experts, who are involved in the care of monuments and artefacts or applied laser technology. Professor Costas Fotakis first brought together restorers and scientists in 1995 to discuss the potential of lasers in art conservation. The field of Lasers in the Conservation of Artworks has since gained considerably in importance, and nowadays restorers and laser scientists work closely together to develop new applications. Furthermore a large number of national and international research projects have been carried out by conservator-restorers, architects and scientists. In the last 10 years, historical and artistically high-quality monuments (e.g. St. Stephens Cathedral in Vienna) have been cleaned or measured by laser, and this has established the laser in the spectra of tools that are useful in the practical realm of artworks. The proceedings of the 2005 congress addresses scientists, conservator-restorers, companies, architects, decision-makers and other experts involved in conservation projects or in the research of new laser equipment."

Since the advent of the laser about 40 years ago, the fields of laser physics and quantum optics have evolved into a major disciplines. The early studies included optical coherence theory and semiclassical and quantum mechanical theories of the laser. More recently many new and interesting effects have been predicted. These include the role of coherent atomic effects in lasing without inversion and electromagnetically induced transparency, atom optics, laser cooling and trapping, teleportation, the single-atom micromaser and its role in quantum measurement theory, to name a few. The International Conference on Laser Physics and Quantum Optics was held in Shanghai, China, from August 25 to August 28,1999, to discuss these and many other exciting developments in laser physics and quantum optics. The international character of the conference was manifested by the fact that scientists from over 13 countries participated and lectured at the conference. There were four keynote lectures delivered by Nobel laureate Willis Lamb, Jr., Profs. H. Walther, A.E. Siegman, and M.O. Scully. In addition, there were 34 invited lectures, 27 contributed oral presentations, and 59 poster papers. We are grateful to all the participants of the conference and the contributors of this volume

This in-depth title discusses the underlying physics and operational principles of semiconductor lasers. It analyzes the optical and electronic properties of the semiconductor medium in detail, including quantum confinement and gain-engineering effects. The text also includes recent developments in blue-emitting semiconductor lasers.

Nitride Phosphors and Solid-State Lighting provides an in-depth introduction to the crystal chemistry, synthesis, luminescence, and applications of phosphor materials for solid-state lighting, mainly focusing on new nitride phosphors. Drawing on their extensive experimental work, the authors offer a multidisciplinary study of phosphor materials that encompasses materials science, inorganic chemistry, solid-state chemistry, solid-state physics, optical spectroscopy, crystal field theory, and computational materials science. The book begins with an introduction to the principles, semiconductor/phosphor materials, and characterizations of solid-state lighting and white light-emitting diodes (LEDs). It then discusses the optical and luminescence processes occurring in optically active centers of solid materials and presents the photoluminescence properties of traditional phosphors for white LEDs, including garnets, aluminates, silicates, sulfides, oxysulfides, phosphates, and scheelites. The remainder of the text focuses on newly developed nitride phosphors. The authors describe the crystal chemistry of general nitride compounds, the crystal structure and photoluminescence properties of new nitride phosphors, and synthetic methods for preparing nitride phosphors. They detail the structural analysis of nitride phosphors and present experimental and computational results of typical nitride phosphors. The authors also examine key issues, such as excitation and emission spectra, thermal quenching, and quantum efficiency. The final chapter explores applications of nitride phosphors in white LEDs for general lighting and LCD backlight purposes. Covering novel luminescent materials, this book brings you up to date on the evolving field of solid-state lighting. It illustrates the fundamentals, synthesis, properties, and applications of the latest nitride phosphor materials.

Since 1995, when Costas Fotakis first brought together restorers and scientists to discuss the potential of lasers in art conservation, the field has grown enormously in importance, and today restorers and laser scientists work together to develop new applications. This book presents the more than six dozen research papers prepared for LACONA V (Lasers in Art Conservation), held in Osnabrueck/Germany in September 2003. The fifth congress once again gathered restorers, art historians, museum staff, laser scientists and laser manufacturers. The topics include, among others: laser cleaning of artworks (case studies and side effects), removal of former conservation layers, fundamentals of laser-artwork interaction, online monitoring and process control, laser diagnostics, spectroscopy for monitoring and identification, networks and cooperation projects.

Among the many atomic/molecular assembling techniques used to develop artificial materials, molecular layer deposition (MLD) continues to receive special attention as the next-generation growth technique for organic thin-film materials used in photonics and electronics. Thin-Film Organic Photonics: Molecular Layer Deposition and Applications describes how photonic/electronic properties of thin films can be improved through MLD, which enables precise control of atomic and molecular arrangements to construct a wire network that achieves "three-dimensional growth." MLD facilitates dot-by-dot -- or molecule-by-molecule -- growth of polymer and molecular wires, and that enhanced level of control creates numerous application possibilities. Explores the wide range of MLD applications in solar energy and optics, as well as proposed uses in biomedical photonics This book addresses the prospects for artificial materials with atomic/molecular-level tailored structures, especially those featuring MLD and conjugated polymers with multiple quantum dots (MQDs), or polymer MQDs. In particular, the author focuses on the application of artificial organic thin films to: * Photonics/electronics, particularly in optical interconnects used in computers * Optical switching and solar energy conversion systems * Bio/ medical photonics, such as photodynamic therapy * Organic photonic materials, devices, and integration processes With its clear and concise presentation, this book demonstrates exactly how MLD enables electron wavefunction control, thereby improving material performance and generating new photonic/electronic phenomena.

Introduction to Laser Science and Engineering provides a modern resource for a first course in lasers for both students and professionals. Starting from simple descriptions, this text builds upon them to give a detailed modern physical understanding of the concepts behind light, optical beams and lasers. The coverage starts with the nature of light and the principles of photon absorption and transmission, leading to the amplified and stimulated emission principals governing lasers. The specifics of lasers and their application, safe use and future prospects are then covered, with a wealth of illustrations to provide readers with a visual sense of optical and laser principles.

Lasers are employed throughout science and technology, in fundamental research, the remote sensing of atmospheric gases or pollutants, communications, medical diagnostics and therapies, and the manufacturing of microelectronic devices. Understanding the principles of their operation, which underlie all of these areas, is essential for a modern scientific education. This text introduces the characteristics and operation of lasers through laboratory experiments designed for the undergraduate curricula in Chemistry and Physics. Introductory chapters describe the properties of light, the history of laser invention, the atomic, molecular and optical principles behind how lasers work, and the kinds of lasers available today. Other chapters include the basic theory of spectroscopy and computational chemistry used to interpret laser experiments. Experiments range from simple in-class demonstrations to more elaborate configurations for advanced students. Each chapter has historical and theoretical background, as well as options suggested for variations on the prescribed experiments. The text will be useful for undergraduates students in advanced lab classes, for instructors designing these classes, or for graduate students beginning a career in laser science.

Faseroptische Komponenten und Systeme sind heute unverzichtbar im Bereich der Datenubertragung, der Sensorik und Messtechnik, der Materialbearbeitung und in der Medizintechnik. Bei hohen Lichtleistungen in Glasfasern mit kleinen Querschnitten treten dabei nichtlineare optische Effekte auf, die in einigen Anwendungen gezielt genutzt werden konnen, aber in anderen Fallen storend sind.

Aufbauend auf den Grundlagen der linearen Ausbreitung von Lichtwellen in Glasfasern werden in diesem Buch die nichtlinearen faseroptischen Effekte grundlegend und systematisch behandelt. Schwerpunkte sind dabei die Auswirkungen und Anwendungen der stimulierten Raman- und Brillouin-Streuung. Spezielle Aspekte der nichtlinearen Faseroptik werden am Beispiel der Raman-Faserlaser vertieft.

Das Buch zeichnet sich durch fundierte theoretische Grundlagen, Angabe reprasentativer Zahlenwerte und anschauliche Beispiele aus. In kurzen Exkursen werden Zusammenhange aufgezeigt und weiterfuhrende Informationen gegeben. Zahlreiche Literaturangaben ermoglichen eine selbststandige weitere Vertiefung in einzelne Themen."

A comprehensive treatment of the fundamentals of optical detection theory

Laser system applications are becoming more numerous, particularly in the fields of communications and remote sensing. Filling a significant gap in the literature, Optical Detection Theory for Laser Applications addresses the theoretical aspects of optical detection and associated phenomenologies, describing the fundamental optical, statistical, and mathematical principles of the modern laser system.

The book is especially valuable for its extensive treatment of direct detection statistics, which has no analog in radar detection theory and which has never before been compiled in a cohesive manner in a single book. Coverage includes:

• A review of mathematical statistics and statistical decision theory
• Performance of truncated and untruncated coherent and direct detection systems using Huygens-Fresnel and Gaussian beam theories
• Rough surface scatter and atmospheric propagation effects
• Single-pulse detection statistics for direct and coherent detection systems
• Multi-pulse detection statistics for direct and coherent detection systems

Supported by additional comments providing further insights into the physics or mathematics discussed and an extensive list of classic references, Optical Detection Theory for Laser Applications comprises a much-needed reference for the professional scientist or engineer, as well as a solid textbook for advanced students.

The three volumes VIII/1A, B, C document the state of the art of laser physics and applications. According to the actual trends in laser research and development, Vol. VIII/1 is split into three parts: Vol. VIII/1A with its two sub-volumes 1A1 and 1A2 covers laser fundamentals, Vol. VIII/1B deals with laser systems and Vol. VIII/1C gives an overview on laser applications.

Readers will learn in which ways light can be "confined" within a subwavelength region smaller than half a wavelength. Strictly within the focal spot, all degrees of freedom of light interact and manifest themselves in a dramatic way. The size and shape of the focal spot and the magnitude of side-lobes depend on the polarization state alongside phase and amplitude distributions of a light beam. Readers will learn techniques in which inhomogeneously (i.e., azimuthally and radially) polarized optical beams can be focused. In sharp focus, exotic phenomena can occur, including the negative propagation of light and a toroidal optical flow. Throughout the book, the numerical simulation is performed using the rigorous solution of Maxwell's equations based on a Finite-Difference Time-Domain (FDTD) approach, which makes the results of modeling highly reliable. The photonic components, including optical metasurfaces, discussed in the book have been implemented using state-of-the-art techniques of electron beam writing and reactive ion-beam etching of microrelief. Two chapters are concerned with photonics hot spots, which deal with the control of light by means of optical metasurfaces and the generation of an energy backflow in the region of sharp focus of a laser beam. Another hot topic is diffractive polarization converters implemented as subwavelength diffraction gratings to convert polarization of light. By way of illustration, such converters are shown to perform linear-to-radial or linear-to-azimuthal polarization conversion. The book describes advanced photonic components fabricated by the authors to perform sharp focusing of light, including binary zone plates, binary axicons, a planar photonic crystal lens, diffraction polarization converters, and metalenses. This book is a must-have for individuals and institutions studying cutting edge optics.

Physics of laser crystals has been constantly developing since the invention of the laser in 1960. Nowadays, more than 1500 wide-band-gap and semiconductors crystals are suitable for the production of the laser effect. Different laser devices are widely used in science, medicine and communication systems according to the progress achieved in the development of laser crystal physics. Scintillators for radiation detection also gained benefit from these developments. Most of the optically active materials offer laser radiations within the 500 to 3000 nm region with various quantum efficiency which fit the usual applications. However, new crystals for laser emissions are needed either in the blue, UV and VUV - region or far IR- region, especially for medicine, computer microchip production and for undiscovered practical uses. Scientific problems of the growth and properties of laser crystals are discussed in numerous books and scientific journals by many scientists working in the field. Therefore, we thought that joint discussions of the scientific and technical problems in laser physics will be useful for further developments in this area. We have proposed to held a Workshop on Physics of Laser Crystals for attempting to induce additional advances especially in solid state spectroscopy. This NATO Advanced Research Workshop (ARW) was hold in Kharkiv * Stary Saltov th nd (Ukraine) on august 26 - September 2 , 2002, and was mainly devoted to the consideration 0 f modem approaches and Iast results in physics of laser crystals.

Metal vapour ion lasers are a mature class of gas laser for which a number of applications has developed in recent years. This is the first book to appear in the English language on this topic, and concentrates on the physical processes which occur in the laser, in particular the kinetic processes which are responsible for the pumping of excited ion levels, and the production of population inversion. The most important types of electrical discharges used in this class of laser are discussed in detail, and all the major types of metal vapour ion laser are examined. A highly useful appendix tabulates all the known transitions used in metal vapour ion lasers. Metal Vapour Ion Lasers: Kinetic Processes and Gas Discharges provides a much needed review of this important field. It identifies current problem areas, and points to future research directions. It is an invaluable source for all those, both in industry and academia, working on the development or applications of metal vapour ion lasers, and for all those involved in gas laser research. It will also be of great interest to all those interested in the physics of gas discharges. The authors and translators have been involved with some of the key advances in the field over recent years.

Silicon, the leading material in microelectronics during the last four decades, also promises to be the key material in the future. Despite many claims that silicon technology has reached fundamental limits, the performance of silicon microelectronics continues to improve steadily. The same holds for almost all the applications for which Si was considered to be unsuitable. The main exception to this positive trend is the silicon laser, which has not been demonstrated to date. The main reason for this comes from a fundamental limitation related to the indirect nature of the Si band-gap. In the recent past, many different approaches have been taken to achieve this goal: dislocated silicon, extremely pure silicon, silicon nanocrystals, porous silicon, Er doped Si-Ge, SiGe alloys and multiquantum wells, SiGe quantum dots, SiGe quantum cascade structures, shallow impurity centers in silicon and Er doped silicon. All of these are abundantly illustrated in the present book.

This book presents the first comprehensive collection of solved problems in laser physics covering both fundamental and applied aspects of laser science and technology. The framework of the book, including structuring of topics and notations, closely follows that adopted in the Principles of Laser book by Professor O. Svelto. The collection of problems presented in this book appears therefore a natural complement to Svelto's textbook for testing and developing the skills acquired in the reading of the theory; however, it may also be a useful support to any general textbook on laser physics, wherein problems are usually not solved in detail. We remark that this is, to our knowledge, the first book to provide a complete and satisfactory set of solved problems in such a highly developing field of science and technology. The problems fall mainly into three distinct categories: (i) numerical/applied problems, which help the reader to become confident and familiar with the basic concepts and methods of laser physics, and to acquire a feeling for numerical parameters entering in real-world laser systems; (ii) complementary problems, that present in detail demonstrations of some analytical parts not given in the textbook; and (iii) advanced problems, aimed either to provide a deeper understanding of the subject or to cover more recent developments in the field. Audience: This book is primarily intended for undergraduate and graduate students in physics, engineering, and chemistry. However, it may also be a useful tool for industrial professionals working in the field of laser technologies and laser applications, as well as for researchers interested in basic aspects of real-world lasers andrelated fields.

Polymer Surfaces and Interfaces II W. J. Feast, University of Durham, Durham, UK H. S. Munro, Courtaulds Research, Coventry, UK R. W. Richards, University of Durham, Durham, UK This volume presents a collection of review papers, based on the a Polymer Surfaces and Interfaces II International Symposiuma which took place in Durham (UK), July 1991 Compiled here, the papers present an authoritative overview of current technology and research on polymer surfaces, by acknowledged experts in their specialist fields. Individual reviews cover analytical techniques, properties, reactions, modelling and synthesis of surfaces and interfaces. Polymer Surfaces and Interfaces II will be of interest to polymer scientists, surface scientists, chemists, physicists and biologists, working in industrial and academic laboratories. Reviews of the previous volume a Altogether a most useful addition to polymer sciencea ---- Physics Bulletin a The book can be unreservedly recommended to chemists and materials scientists with an interest in adhesion, biomaterials, polymer dispersions and molecular engineeringa ---- Polymer Contents Surface Chemistry of Chemically Resistant Polymers; T. G. Bee, A. J. Dias, N. L. Franchina, B. U. Kolb, K.--W. Lee, P. A. Patton, M. S. Shoichet and T. J. McCarthy Self--assembled Molecular Films as Polymer Surface Models; D. L. Allara, S. V. Atre and A. N. Parikh Non--equilibrium Effects in Polymeric Stabilization; M. E. Cates and J. T. Brooks Ion Beam Analysis of Composition Profiles near Polymer Surfaces and Interfaces; R. A. L. Jones Laser Light Scattering; J. C. Earnshaw Characterization of Interfaces in Polymers and Composites using Raman Spectroscopy; R. J. Young Surface Modification and Analysis of Ultra--high--modulus Polyethylene Fibres for Composites; G. A. George SSIMS ---- An Emeriging Technique for the Surface Chemical Analysis of Polymeric Biomaterials; M. C. Davies Scanning Probe Microscopy ---- Current Issues in the Analysis of Polymeric Biomaterials; M. C. Davies, D. E. Jackson, C. J Roberts, S. J. B. Tendler, K. M. Kreusel, M. J. Wilkins and P. M. Williams Surface Grafting of a Thrombin Substrate on a Polymer Membrane and the Inhibition of Thrombin Activity Leading to Non--thrombogenicity; Y. Ito, L.--S. Liu and Y. Imanishi Acid----Base Effects at Polymer Interfaces; C. J. van Oss