The growth of Internet traf?c in recent years surpassed the prediction of one decade ago. Data stream in individual countries already reached terabit/s level. To cope with the petabit class demands of traf?c in coming years the communication engineers are required to go beyond the incremental improvement of today's technology. A most promising breakthrough would be the introduction of modulation f- mats enabling higher spectral ef?ciency than that of binary on-off keying scheme, virtually the global standard of ?ber-optic communication systems. In wireless communication systems, techniques of high spectral density modulation have been well developed, but the required techniques in optical frequency domain are much more complicated because of the heavier ?uctuation levels. Therefore the past trials of coherent optical modulation/detection schemes were not successful. However, the addition of high-speed digital signal processing technology is the fundam- tal difference between now and two decades ago, when trials of optical coherent communication systems were investigated very seriously. This approach of digital coherent technology has attracted keen interest among communication specialists, as indicated by the rapid increase in the pioneering presentations at the post-deadline sessions of major international conferences. For example, 32 terabit/s transmission in a ?ber experiment based on this technology was reported in post-deadline session of Optical Fiber Communication Conference (OFC) 2009. The advancement of the digital coherent technologies will inevitably affect the network architecture in terms of the network resource management for the new generation photonic networks, rather than will simply provide with huge transmission capacity.

How do laser beams propagate? Innovative discoveries involving laser beams and their propagation properties are at the heart of Laser Beam Propagation: Generation and Propagation of Customized Light. This book captures the essence of laser beam propagation. Divided into three parts, it explores the fundamentals of how laser beams propagate, and provides novel methods to describe and characterize general laser beams. Part one covers the physical optics approach to the propagation of optical waves, the concept of plane waves, the mathematical description of diffraction and Gaussian optics, and adapting the concepts to the single photon level. The book explains the parallels between the paraxial propagation of light beams and the Schroedinger equation in quantum mechanics, and delves into the description of paraxial optics by means of state vectors and operators. It also discusses classical optics and quantum entanglement. Part two focuses on the application of modal decomposition to the characterization of laser beams, and provides a characterization of time domain pulses. It discusses tools for the temporal characterization of laser beams, the generation of arbitrary laser beams with digital holograms, and the use of spatial light modulators to display reconfigurable digital holograms capable of modifying and shaping laser beams. It also covers various techniques and the control of the polarization properties of light. Part three defines the most commonly generated shaped light, flat-top beams, outlining their propagation rules as well as the means to create them in the laboratory. It also highlights Helmholtz-Gauss beams, vector beams, and low coherence laser beams. The text presents the concepts of coherence theory and applies this to the propagation of low coherence optical fields. It also considers the recent developments in orbital angular momentum carrying fields, touches on basics properties, definitions and applications, and brings together the classical and quantum concepts of spatial modes of light.

The technology surrounding the design and fabrication of optical microresonators has matured to a point where there is a need for commercialization. Consequently, there is a need for device research involving more advanced architectures and more esoteric operating principles. Photonic Microresonator Research and Applications explores advances in the fabrication process that enable nanometer waveguide separations, exceptionally smooth surfaces essential to reach Q factors in the order of 106- 108 and high index contrast materials.

Since its invention in 1962, the semiconductor laser has come a long way. Advances in material purity and epitaxial growth techniques have led to a variety of semiconductor lasers covering a wide wavelength range of 0. 3- 100 ILm. The development during the 1970s of GaAs semiconductor lasers, emitting in the near-infrared region of 0. 8--0. 9 ILm, resulted in their use for the first generation of optical fiber communication systems. However, to take advantage of low losses in silica fibers occurring around 1. 3 and 1. 55 ILm, the emphasis soon shifted toward long-wavelength semiconductor lasers. The material system of choice in this wavelength range has been the quaternary alloy InGaAsP. During the last five years or so, the intense development effort devoted to InGaAsP lasers has resulted in a technology mature enough that lightwave transmission systems using InGaAsP lasers are currently being deployed throughout the world. This book is intended to provide a comprehensive account of long-wave length semiconductor lasers. Particular attention is paid to InGaAsP lasers, although we also consider semiconductor lasers operating at longer wave lengths. The objective is to provide an up-to-date understanding of semicon ductor lasers while incorporating recent research results that are not yet available in the book form. Although InGaAsP lasers are often used as an example, the basic concepts discussed in this text apply to all semiconductor lasers, irrespective of their wavelengths.

Confocal Raman Microscopy is a relatively new technique that allows chemical imaging without specific sample preparation. By integrating a sensitive Raman spectrometer within a state-of-the-art microscope, Raman microscopy with a spatial resolution down to 200nm laterally and 500nm vertically can be achieved using visible light excitation. Recent developments in detector and computer technology as well as optimized instrument design have reduced integration times of Raman spectra by orders of magnitude, so that complete images consisting of tens of thousands of Raman spectra can be acquired in seconds or minutes rather than hours, which used to be standard just one decade ago. The purpose of this book is to provide the reader a comprehensive overview of the rapidly developing field of Confocal Raman Microscopy and its applications.

This volume contains papers presented at the Tenth International Conference on Ultrafast Phenomena held at Del Coronado, California, from May 28 to June 1, 1996. The biannual Ultrafast Phenomena Conferences provide a forum for the discussion of the latest advances in ultrafast optics and their applications in science and engineering. The Ultrafast Phenomena Conference maintains a broad international representation with 391 participants from 18 countries, including 94 students attending the conference. The multidisciplinary character of this meeting provides a cross-fertilization of ultrafast concepts and techniques among various scientific and engineering disciplines. The enthusiasm of the paticipants, the originality and quality of the papers that they presented, and the beautiful conference site combined to produce a very successful and enjoyable meeting. Progress was reported in the technology of generating ultrashort pulses, in cluding new techniques for improving laser-pulse duration, output power, wave length range, and compactness. Ultrafast spectroscopy continues to impact on and expand the knowledge base of fundamental processes in physics, chemistry, biol ogy and engineering. In addition ultrafast phenomena now extends to real-world applications in biology, high-speed communication, and material diagnostics. The Tenth Ultrafast Phenomena Conference was highlighted by a 'special event' in which the developments of the previous conferences were reviewed in a panel discussion by G. Mourou, E. Ippen, A. Migus, A. Laubereau and R. Hochstrasser."

Although several books cover the coding theory of wireless communications and the hardware technologies and coding techniques of optical CDMA, no book has been specifically dedicated to optical coding theory-until now. Written by renowned authorities in the field, Optical Coding Theory with Prime gathers together in one volume the fundamentals and developments of optical coding theory, with a focus on families of prime codes, supplemented with several families of non-prime codes. The book also explores potential applications to coding-based optical systems and networks. Learn How to Construct and Analyze Optical Codes The authors use a theorem-proof approach, breaking down theories into digestible form so that readers can understand the main message without searching through tedious proofs. The book begins with the mathematical tools needed to understand and apply optical coding theory, from Galois fields and matrices to Gaussian and combinatorial analytical tools. Using a wealth of examples, the authors show how optical codes are constructed and analyzed, and detail their performance in a variety of applications. The book examines families of 1-D and 2-D asynchronous and synchronous, multilength, and 3-D prime codes, and some non-prime codes. Get a Working Knowledge of Optical Coding Theory to Help You Design Optical Systems and Networks Prerequisites include a basic knowledge of linear algebra and coding theory, as well as a foundation in probability and communications theory. This book draws on the authors' extensive research to offer an authoritative reference on the emerging field of optical coding theory. In addition, it supplies a working knowledge of the theory and optical codes to help readers in the design of coding-based optical systems and networks. For more on the technological aspects of optical CDMA, see Optical Code Division Multiple Access: Fundamentals and Applications (CRC Press 2005).

This book is the result of two decades of research work which started with an accidental observation. One of my students, Dipl. phys. Volkmar Lenz, - ticed that the speckle pattern of laser light scattered by a cuvette containing diluted milk performed a strange motion every time he came near the cuvette with his thumb. After thinkingabout this e?ect we came to the conclusion that this motion can only be caused by scatteringparticles with di?erent velocities, as in the case of the di?raction pattern of an optical grating: A linear motion of the grating does not change the pattern whereas a rotation of the grating does. The observed speckle motion could then be explained qualitatively as produced by the inhomogeneous velocity of the convection within the cuvette which was produced by the heat of the thumb. The theoretical treatment of this e?ect revealed that the velocity gradient of the light scattering medium is responsible for the speckle motion. The idea to use this e?ect for developingmeasurement techniques for velocity gradients arose almost immediately. For that purpose we had to develop not only experimental set-ups to measure the pattern velocity but also the theory which describes the connection between this velocity and the velocity gradient. The result of this work together with the description of a method developed by another group forms the contents of this book. I am indebted to the students who worked in my laboratory and developed the measurement techniques. These were, in temporal order, Dr.

An introduction to photonics and lasers that does not rely on complex mathematics
This book evolved from a series of courses developed by the author and taught in the areas of lasers and photonics. This thoroughly classroom-tested work fills a unique need for students, instructors, and industry professionals in search of an introductory-level book that covers a wide range of topics in these areas. Comparable books tend to be aimed either too high or too low, or they cover only a portion of the topics that are needed for a comprehensive treatment.
Photonics and Lasers is divided into four parts:
* Propagation of Light
* Generation and Detection of Light
* Laser Light
* Light-Based Communication
The author has ensured that complex mathematics does not become an obstacle to understanding key physical concepts. Physical arguments and explanations are clearly set forth while, at the same time, sufficient mathematical detail is provided for a quantitative understanding. As an additional aid to readers who are learning to think symbolically, some equations are expressed in words as well as symbols.
Problem sets are provided throughout the book for readers to test their knowledge and grasp of key concepts. A solutions manual is also available for instructors. Finally, the detailed bibliography leads readers to in-depth explorations of particular topics.
The book's topics, lasers and photonics, are often treated separately in other texts; however, the author skillfully demonstrates their natural synergy. Because of the combined coverage, this text can be used for a two-semester course or a one-semester course emphasizing either lasers or photonics. This is a perfect introductory textbook for both undergraduate and graduate students, additionally serving as a practical reference for engineers in telecommunications, optics, and laser electronics.

In the thirty years since the invention of the CO2 gas laser, the major design issue has shifted from how to obtain the desired power level to how to achieve reliable operation. At the same time, the opening of many laser development facilities in the Former Soviet Union has allowed their achievements and design approaches to be understood and appreciated for the first time. Further, the industrial laser user community has identified a number of emerging applications at higher power levels (15-20 kW) than are attainable by most commercial devices. In High Power Lasers - Science and Engineering, the designers, developers and users of high-power gas laser systems discuss design approaches, methods of enhancing performance, new applications, and user requirements.

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.

Explains in detail the basics, theory, design, fabrication, and operation of vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers. All the chapters are written by pioneers and key experts who have exclusive access to the most up-to-date innovations in the respective fields.

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.

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 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.

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.

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

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."

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.