This collection of reviews by leading Japanese researchers covers topics like ultrafast optical responses, terahertz and phonon studies, super-sensitive surface and high-pressure spectroscopy, combination of visible and x-ray photonics. Several related areas at the cutting edge of measurement technology and materials science are included. This book is partly based on well-cited review articles in the Japanese language in special volumes of the Journal of the Vacuum Society of Japan.

This text book gives a comprehensive account of magnetism, one of the oldest yet most vibrant fields of physics. It spans the historical development, the physical foundations and the continuing research underlying the subject. The book covers both the classical and quantum mechanical aspects of magnetism and novel experimental techniques. Perhaps uniquely, it discusses spin transport and magnetization dynamics phenomena associated with atomically and spin engineered nano-structures against the backdrop of spintronics and magnetic storage and memory applications. The book is for students, and serves as a reference for scientists in academia and research laboratories.

Xiao-Ming Jiang, Sheng-Ping Guo, Hui-Yi Zeng, Ming-Jian Zhang, Guo-Cong Guo: Large Crystal Growth and New Crystal Exploration of Mid-Infrared Second-Order Nonlinear Optical Materials.- Kechen Wu: Simulation and Design of Infrared Second-Order Nonlinear Optical Materials in Metal Cluster Compounds.- Chaoyang Tu: The Recent Development Of SRS and SRS SF- conversion Laser Crystal.- Hua-Jun Zhao, Xin-Tao Wu, Li-Ming Wu: Exploration of New Second-Order Nonlinear Optical Compounds Containing Main Group Elements.

This handbook is a compendium giving a comprehensive description of the basics of semiconductor physics relevant to the design and analysis of thin film solar cell materials. It starts from the basics of material science, describing the material and its growth, defect and electrical properties, the basics of its interaction with photons and the involved statistics, proceeding to space charge effects in semiconductors and pn-junctions. Most attention is given to analyze homo- and hetero-junction solar cells using various models and applying the field-of-direction analysis for discussing current voltage characteristics, and helping to discover the involvement of high-field effects in solar cells. The comprehensive coverage of the main topics of - and relating to - solar cells with extensive reference to literature helps scientists and engineers at all levels to reach a better understanding and improvement of solar cell properties and their production. The author is one of the founders of thin film solar cell research.

This book covers the history of lasers with nuclear pumping (Nuclear Pumped Lasers, NPLs). This book showcases the most important results and stages of NPL development in The Russian Federal Nuclear Center (VNIIEF) as well as other Russian and international laboratories, including laboratories in the United States. The basic science and technology behind NPLs along with potential applications are covered throughout the book. As the first comprehensive discussion of NPLs, students, researchers, and application engineers interested in high energy lasers will find this book to be an extremely valuable source of information about these unique lasers.

This thesis focuses on two areas - the development of miniature plastic lasers that can be powered by LEDs, and the application of these lasers as highly sensitive sensors for vapours of nitroaromatic explosives (e.g. TNT). Polymer lasers are extremely compact visible lasers; the research described in the thesis is groundbreaking, driving forward the technology and physical understanding to allow these lasers to be routinely pumped by a single high-power LED. A notable advance in the work is the demonstration of nanoimprinted polymer lasers, which exhibit the world's lowest pump threshold densities by two orders of magnitude. The thesis also advances the application of these compact, novel lasers as highly sensitive detectors of explosive vapours, demonstrating that rapid detection can be achieved when microporous polymers are used. This work also demonstrates a prototype CMOS-based microsystem sensor for explosive vapours, exploiting a new detection approach.

The book, 'Laser Physics and Technology', addresses fundamentals of laser physics, representative laser systems and techniques, and some important applications of lasers. The present volume is a collection of articles based on some of the lectures delivered at the School on 'Laser Physics and Technology' organized at Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology during March, 12-30, 2012. The objective of the School was to provide an in-depth knowledge of the important aspects of laser physics and technology to doctoral students and young researchers and motivate them for further work in this area. In keeping with this objective, the fourteen chapters, written by leading Indian experts, based on the lectures delivered by them at the School, provide along with class room type coverage of the fundamentals of the field, a brief review of the current status of the field. The book will be useful for doctoral students and young scientists who are embarking on a research in this area as well as to professionals who would be interested in knowing the current state of the field particularly in Indian context.

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art in group III-nitride based ultraviolet LED and laser technologies, covering different substrate approaches, a review of optical, electronic and structural properties of InAlGaN materials as well as various optoelectronic components. In addition, the book gives an overview of a number of key application areas for UV emitters and detectors, including water purification, phototherapy, sensing, and UV curing. The book is written for researchers and graduate level students in the area of semiconductor materials, optoelectronics and devices as well as developers and engineers in the various application fields of UV emitters and detectors.

Advances in One-Dimensional Wave Mechanics provides a comprehensive description of the motion of microscopic particles in one-dimensional, arbitrary-shaped potentials based on the analogy between Quantum Mechanics and Electromagnetism. Utilizing a deeper understanding of the wave nature of matter, this book introduces the concept of the scattered sub-waves and a series of new analytical results using the Analytical Transfer Matrix (ATM) method. This work will be useful for graduate students majoring in physics, mainly in basic quantum theory, as well as for academic researchers exploring electromagnetism, particle physics, and wave mechanics and for experts in the field of optical waveguide and integrated optics. Prof. Zhuangqi Cao is a Professor of Physics at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China. Dr. Cheng Yin is a teacher at Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Power Transmission and Distribution Equipment Technology, Hohai University, China.

Special issue of the 7th International Conference on Tunable Diode Laser Spectroscopy, held July 13-17, 2009 in Zermatt, Switzerland. The purpose of these meetings was to report and discuss the progress that has been made in the technical development of diode lasers and their applications in areas of fundamental research as well as real world applications of the technology. This was accomplished in a format encouraging strong interaction between researchers, device developers and semiconductor laser manufacturers. The relevant technologies include the original lead salt lasers, near-infrared diode lasers and the latest developments in mid-infrared quantum and interband cascade lasers, as well as nonlinear optical schemes.

As part of the effort to increase the contribution of solar cells (photovoltaics) to our energy mix, this book addresses three main areas: making existing technology cheaper, promoting advanced technologies based on new architectural designs, and developing new materials to serve as light absorbers. Leading scientists throughout the world create a fundamental platform for knowledge sharing that combines the physics, materials, and device architectures of high-efficiency solar cells. While providing a comprehensive introduction to the field, the book highlights directions for further research, and is intended to stimulate readers' interest in the development of novel materials and technologies for solar energy applications.

Studying and using light or "photons" to image and then to control and transmit molecular information is among the most challenging and significant research fields to emerge in recent years. One of the fastest growing areas involves research in the temporal imaging of quantum phenomena, ranging from molecular dynamics in the femto (10-15s) time regime for atomic motion to the atto (10-18s) time scale of electron motion. In fact, the attosecond "revolution" is now recognized as one of the most important recent breakthroughs and innovations in the science of the 21st century. A major participant in the development of ultrafast femto and attosecond temporal imaging of molecular quantum phenomena has been theory and numerical simulation of the nonlinear, non-perturbative response of atoms and molecules to ultrashort laser pulses. Therefore, imaging quantum dynamics is a new frontier of science requiring advanced mathematical approaches for analyzing and solving spatial and temporal multidimensional partial differential equations such as Time-Dependent Schroedinger Equations (TDSE) and Time-Dependent Dirac equations (TDDEs for relativistic phenomena). These equations are also coupled to the photons in Maxwell's equations for collective propagation effects. Inversion of the experimental imaging data of quantum dynamics presents new mathematical challenges in the imaging of quantum wave coherences on subatomic (subnanometer) spatial dimensions and multiple timescales from atto to femto and even nanoseconds. In Quantum Dynamic Imaging: Theoretical and Numerical Methods, leading researchers discuss these exciting state-of-the-art developments and their implications for R&D in view of the promise of quantum dynamic imaging science as the essential tool for controlling matter at the molecular level.

This book deals with the latest achievements in the field of ferroelectric domain engineering and characterization at micro- and nano-scale dimensions and periods. The book collects the results obtained in the last years by world scientific leaders in the field, thus providing a valid and unique overview of the state-of-the-art and also a view to future applications of those engineered and used materials in the field of photonics. The second edition covers the major aspects of ferroelectric domain engineering and combines basic research and latest updated applications such as challenging results by introducing either new as well as extended chapters on Photonics Crystals based on Lithium Niobate and Lithium Tantalate crystals; generation, visualization and controlling of THz radiation; latest achievements on Optical Parametric Oscillators for application in precise spectroscopy. Further more recent advancements in characterization by probe scanning microscopy and optical methods with device and technological orientation. A state-of-the-art report on periodically poled processes and their characterization methods are provided on different materials (LiNbO3, KTP) furnishing update research on ferroelectric crystal by extending materials research and applications.

This thesis breaks new ground in the physics of photonic circuits for quantum optical applications. The photonic circuits are based either on ridge waveguides or photonic crystals, with embedded quantum dots providing the single qubit, quantum optical emitters. The highlight of the thesis is the first demonstration of a spin-photon interface using an all-waveguide geometry, a vital component of a quantum optical circuit, based on deterministic single photon emission from a single quantum dot. The work makes a further important contribution to the field by demonstrating the effects and limitations that inevitable disorder places on photon propagation in photonic crystal waveguides, a further key component of quantum optical circuits. Overall the thesis offers a number of highly novel contributions to the field; those on chip circuits may prove to be the only means of scaling up the highly promising quantum-dot-based quantum information technology.

Introductory Concepts.- Interaction of Radiation with Atoms and Ions.- Energy Levels, Radiative, and Nonradiative Transitions in Molecules and Semiconductors.- Ray and Wave Propagation Through Optical Media.- Passive Optical Resonators.- Pumping Processes.- Continuous Wave Laser Behavior.- Transient Laser Behavior.- Solid-State, Dye, and Semiconductor Lasers.- Gas, Chemical, Free Electron, and X-Ray Lasers.- Properties of Laser Beams.- Laser Beam Transformation: Propagation, Amplification, Frequency Conversion, Pulse Compression, and Pulse Expansion.- Appendixes: Semiclassic Treatment of the Interaction of Radiation and Matter.- Line Shape Calculation for Collision Broadening.- Simplified Treatment of Amplified Spontaneous Emission.- Calculating Radiative Transition Rates of Molecular Transitions.- Space-Dependent Rate Equations.- Mode-Locking Theory: Homogeneous Line.- Propagation of a Laser Through a Dispersive Medium or a Gain Medium.- Higher Order Coherence.- Physical Constants and Useful Conversion Factors.- Answers to Selected Problems.- Index.

The book describes first the principle photon generation processes from nuclear reactions, electron motion and from discrete quantum transitions. It then focuses on the use of photons in various selected fields of modern natural and life sciences. It bridges disciplines such as physics, chemistry, earth- and materials science, proteomics, information technology, photoelectrochemistry, photosynthesis and spintronics. Advanced light sources and their use in natural and life sciences are emphasized and the effects related to the quantum nature of photons (quantum computing, teleportation) are described. The content encompasses among many other examples the role of photons on the origin of life and on homochirality in biology, femtosecond laser slicing, photothermal cancer therapy, the use of gamma rays in materials science, photoelectrochemical surface conditioning, quantum information aspects and photo-spintronics. The book is written for scientists and graduate students from all related disciplines who are interested in the science beyond their immediate research field. It is meant to encourage interdisciplinary research and development in an age where nanoscience results in a convergence of formerly more disparate science.

This book covers the complete spectrum of nonlinear optics and all solid state lasers.The book integrates theory, calculations and practical design, technology, experimental schemes and applications. With the expansion and further development of Laser technology, the wavelength spectrum of Lasers had to be enlarged, even to be tunable which requires the use of nonlinear optical and Laser tunable technology. It systematically summarizes and integrates the analysis of international achievements within the last 20 years in this field. It will be helpful for university teachers, graduate students as well as engineers.

papers, illustrated with examples. They include wavelet bases, implicit functions de ned on a space grid, etc. It appears that a common pattern is the recovery of a controllable model of the scene, such that the resulting images can be edited (interaction). Changing the viewpoint is only one (important) aspect, but changing the lighting and action is equally important [2]. Recording and representing three-dimensional scenes is an emerging technology made possible by the convergence of optics, geometry and computer science, with many applications in the movie industry, and more generally in entertainment. Note that the invention of cinema (camera and projector) was also primarily a scienti c invention that evolved into an art form. We suspect the same thing will probably happen with 3-D movies. 3 Book Contents The book is composed of 12 chapters, which elaborate on the content of talks given at the BANFF workshop. The chapters are organized into three sections. The rst section presents an overview of the inter-relations between the art of cinemat- raphy and the science of image and geometry processing; the second section is devoted to recent developments in geometry; and the third section is devoted to recent developmentsin image processing. 3.1 3-D Cinematography and Applications The rst section of the book presents an overview of the inter-relations between the art of cinematography and the science of image and geometry processing.

This thesis introduces a series of novel, non-conjugated polyarylether hosts that are not subject to the triplet-energy limitations of traditional conjugated polymer hosts. As a result of this major breakthrough, the long-standing problem of triplet energy back transfer has now been overcome, making it possible to design high-efficiency electrophosphorescent polymers (PhPs), especially the blue and all-phosphorescent white ones. In addition, the author proposes a spiro-linked hyperbranched architecture for PhPs to inhibit the undesired triplet energy back transfer process in low triplet-energy hosts. The work in this thesis provides vital new insights into the design of PhPs and has led to several publications in high-profile journals.

This book provides a thorough account of the current status of achievements made in the area of soft X-Ray laser source development and of the increasingly diverse applications being demonstrated using such radiation sources. There is significant effort worldwide to develop very bright, short duration radiation sources in the X-Ray spectral region - driven by the multitude of potential applications in all branches of science. This book contains updates on several different approaches for comparative purposes but concentrates on developments in the area of laser-produced plasmas, whereby transient population inversion and gain between ion states is pumped by optical lasers interacting with pre-formed plasmas. Topics covered will include Laser-driven XRLs, Collisional XRLs, Recombination XRLs, Transient Inversion Collisional XRLs, Optical Field Ionization XRLs, Alternative XRL, pumping schemes Theory and simulations of XRL gain media and beam properties High order harmonic sources of XUV radiation, Free-electron lasers and other accelerator based X-Ray sources, X-Ray Laser drives, X-Ray optics and instrumentation Spectroscopy, and other diagnostics of laser media Applications of XRLs.

Advances in space-borne remote sensing have significantly changed the mankind viewpoint how to observe our own Earth planet. Great amount of remote sensing data and images presents new resources to quantitatively describe and monitor our Earth environment, atmosphere, oceanic and land surfaces. In remote sensing, electromagnetic (EM) scattering, emission and wave propagation, as interaction with the Earth environment, lay the physical basis for understanding and extracting geoscientific information. Study of electromagnetic waves with remote sensing application has become an active and interdisciplinary area. This book presents some new progress on the theoretical and numerical approaches for information retrieval of the remote sensing via EM scattering and emission. We begin in Chapter 1 with the vector radiative transfer (VRT) theory for inhomogeneous scatter media. The VRT takes account of multiple scattering, emission and propagation of random scatter media, and quantitatively leads to insights of elucidating and understanding EM wave-terrain surface interaction. Meanwhile, it is extensively applicable to carrying out data interpretation and validation, and to solving the inverse problem, e.g. iteratively, physically or statistically. In Chapter 1, iterative solutions of multiple scattering and emission from inhomogeneous dense scatter media, and inhomogeneous non-spherical scatter media are discussed. Three-dimensional VRT equation (3D-VRT) for spatially inhomogeneous random scatter media for high resolution observation is also investigated. The polarimetric imagery of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology is one of most important advances in space-borne microwave remote sensing during recent decades.

Quantum dots as nanomaterials have been extensively investigated in the past several decades from growth to characterization to applications. As the basis of future developments in the field, this book collects a series of state-of-the-art chapters on the current status of quantum dot devices and how these devices take advantage of quantum features. Written by 56 leading experts from 14 countries, the chapters cover numerous quantum dot applications, including lasers, LEDs, detectors, amplifiers, switches, transistors, and solar cells. Quantum Dot Devices is appropriate for researchers of all levels of experience with an interest in epitaxial and/or colloidal quantum dots. It provides the beginner with the necessary overview of this exciting field and those more experienced with a comprehensive reference source.

Recent advances in ultrashort pulsed laser technology have opened new frontiers in atomic, molecular and optical sciences. The 12th International Conference on Multiphoton Processes (ICOMP12) and the 3rd International Conference on Attosecond Physics (ATTO3), held jointly in Sapporo, Japan, during July 3-8, showcased studies at the forefront of research on multiphoton processes and attosecond physics. This book summarizes presentations and discussions from these two conferences.

Lasers are progressively more used as versatile tools for fabrication purposes. The wide range of available powers, wavelengths, operation modes, repetition rates etc. facilitate the processing of a large spectrum of materials at exceptional precision and quality. Hence, manifold methods were established in the past and novel methods are continuously under development. Biomimetics, the translation from nature-inspired principles to technical applications, is strongly multidisciplinary. This field offers intrinsically a wide scope of applications for laser based methods regarding structuring and modification of materials. This book is dedicated to laser fabrication methods in biomimetics. It introduces both, a laser technology as well as an application focused approach. The book covers the most important laser lithographic methods and various biomimetics application scenarios ranging from coatings and biotechnology to construction, medical applications and photonics.

This book covers the latest advances in the techniques employed to manage the THz radiation and its potential uses. It has been subdivided in three sections: THz Detectors, THz Sources, Systems and Applications. These three sections will allow the reader to be introduced in a logical way to the physics problems of sensing and generation of the terahertz radiation, the implementation of these devices into systems including other components and finally the exploitation of the equipment for real applications in some different field. All of the sections and chapters can be individually addressed in order to deepen the understanding of a single topic without the need to read the whole book. The THz Detectors section will address the latest developments in detection devices based on three different physical principles: photodetection, thermal power detection, rectification. The THz Sources section will describe three completely different generation methods, operating in three separate scales: quantum cascade lasers, free electron lasers and non-linear optical generation. The Systems and Applications section will take care of introducing many of the aspects needed to move from a device to an equipment perspective: control of terahertz radiation, its use in imaging or in spectroscopy, potential uses in security, and will address also safety issues. The text book is at a level appropriate to graduate level courses up to researchers in the field who require a reference book covering all aspects of terahertz technology.