Bringing together researchers from twenty-five countries, Narrow Gap Semiconductors: Proceedings of the 12th International Conference on Narrow Gap Semiconductors discusses the recent advances and discoveries in the science and technology of narrow gap semiconductors (NGS). In particular, it explores the latest findings in the fundamental physics of narrow gap materials and quantum heterostructures as well as device physics, including mid- and far-infrared lasers, detectors, and spintronic devices. This volume forms a solid presentation in several important areas of NGS research, including materials, growth and characterization, fundamental physical phenomena, and devices and applications. It examines the novel material of InAs and its related alloys, heterostructures, and nanostructures as well as more traditional NGS materials such as InSb, PbTe, and HgCdTe. Several chapters cover carbon nanotubes and spintronics, along with spin-orbit coupling, nonparabolicity, and large g-factors. The book also deals with the physics and applications of low-energy phenomena at the infrared and terahertz ranges. Continuing the high-quality tradition of this series, Narrow Gap Semiconductors covers all aspects of NGS to offer an authoritative, well-balanced perspective of this evolving field.

When the World Trade Center was attacked, George Gilder referred to the terrorists as "Osama Bin Luddites," suggesting that it was American technology that was under attack. Even--and especially in the digital age--the turn against technology is powerful, and the Luddite cause does not disappear.
This book addresses the question of what it might mean today to be a Luddite--that is, to take a stand against technology. Steven Jones here explains the history of the Luddites, British textile works who, from around 1811, proclaimed themselves followers of "Ned Ludd" and smashed machinery they saw as threatening trade.Against Technology is not a history of the Luddites, but a history of an idea: how the activities of a group of British workers in Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire came to stand for a global anti--technology philosophy, and how an anonymous collective movement came to be identified with an individualistic personal conviction. Angry textile workers in the early nineteenth century became symbols of a desire for a simple life--certainly not the goal of the actions for which they became famous. Against Technology is, in other words, a book about representations, about the image and the myth of the Luddites and how that myth was transformed over time into modern neo-Luddism.

When the World Trade Center was attacked, George Gilder referred to the terrorists as "Osama Bin Luddites," suggesting that it was American technology that was under attack. Even--and especially in the digital age--the turn against technology is powerful, and the Luddite cause does not disappear.
This book addresses the question of what it might mean today to be a Luddite--that is, to take a stand against technology. Steven Jones here explains the history of the Luddites, British textile works who, from around 1811, proclaimed themselves followers of "Ned Ludd" and smashed machinery they saw as threatening trade.Against Technology is not a history of the Luddites, but a history of an idea: how the activities of a group of British workers in Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire came to stand for a global anti--technology philosophy, and how an anonymous collective movement came to be identified with an individualistic personal conviction. Angry textile workers in the early nineteenth century became symbols of a desire for a simple life--certainly not the goal of the actions for which they became famous. Against Technology is, in other words, a book about representations, about the image and the myth of the Luddites and how that myth was transformed over time into modern neo-Luddism.

As demonstrated by five Nobel Prizes in physics, radio astronomy has contributed greatly to our understanding of the Universe. Yet for too long, there has been no comprehensive textbook on radio astronomy for undergraduate students. This two-volume set of introductory textbooks is exclusively devoted to radio astronomy, with extensive discussions of telescopes, observation methods, and astrophysical processes that are relevant for this exciting field. The first volume, Fundamentals of Radio Astronomy: Observational Methods, discusses radio astronomy instrumentation and the techniques to conduct successful observations. The second volume, Fundamentals of Radio Astronomy: Astrophysics, discusses the physical processes that give rise to radio emission, presents examples of astronomical objects that emit by these mechanisms, and illustrates how the relevant physical parameters of astronomical sources can be obtained from the radio observations. Requiring no prior knowledge of astronomy, the two volumes are ideal textbooks for radio astronomy courses at the undergraduate or graduate level, particularly those that emphasize radio wavelength instrumentation and observational techniques or the astrophysics of radio sources. The set enables instructors to pick and choose topics from the two volumes that best fit their courses. Features: Explores radio astronomy instruments and techniques that are important to enable observations Describes astrophysical processes that produce the radio emissions observed in different types of astronomical objects Includes numerous worked examples to demonstrate how the methods are used to solve problems, in addition to advanced material for students with more extensive physics and mathematics backgrounds

Fourier analysis is one of the most important concepts when you apply physical ideas to engineering issues. This book provides a comprehensive understanding of Fourier transform and spectral analysis in optics, image processing, and signal processing. Written by a world renowned author, this book looks to unify the readers understanding of principles of optics, information processing and measurement. This book describes optical imaging systems through a linear system theory. The book also provides an easy understanding of Fourier transform and system theory in optics. It also provides background of optical measurement and signal processing. Finally, the author also provides a systematic approach to learning many signal processing techniques in optics. The book is intended for researchers, industry professionals, and graduate level students in optics and information processing.

Continuing miniaturization of electronic devices, together with the quickly growing number of nanotechnological applications, demands a profound understanding of the underlying physics. Most of the fundamental problems of modern condensed matter physics involve various aspects of quantum transport and fluctuation phenomena at the nanoscale. In nanostructures, electrons are usually confined to a limited volume and interact with each other and lattice ions, simultaneously suffering multiple scattering events on impurities, barriers, surface imperfections, and other defects. Electron interaction with other degrees of freedom generally yields two major consequences, quantum dissipation and quantum decoherence. In other words, electrons can lose their energy and ability for quantum interference even at very low temperatures. These two different, but related, processes are at the heart of all quantum phenomena discussed in this book. This book presents copious details to facilitate the understanding of the basic physics behind a result and the learning to technically reproduce the result without delving into extra literature. The book subtly balances the description of theoretical methods and techniques and the display of the rich landscape of the physical phenomena that can be accessed by these methods. It is useful for a broad readership ranging from master's and PhD students to postdocs and senior researchers.

Optical Remote Sensing is one of the main technologies used in sea surface monitoring. Optical Remote Sensing of Ocean Hydrodynamics investigates and demonstrates capabilities of optical remote sensing technology for enhanced observations and detection of ocean environments. It provides extensive knowledge of physical principles and capabilities of optical observations of the oceans at high spatial resolution, 1-4m, and on the observations of surface wave hydrodynamic processes. It also describes the implementation of spectral-statistical and fusion algorithms for analyses of multispectral optical databases and establishes physics-based criteria for detection of complex wave phenomena and hydrodynamic disturbances including assessment and management of optical databases. This book explains the physical principles of high-resolution optical imagery of the ocean surface, discusses for the first time the capabilities of observing hydrodynamic processes and events, and emphasizes the integration of optical measurements and enhanced data analysis. It also covers both the assessment and the interpretation of dynamic multispectral optical databases and includes applications for advanced studies and nonacoustic detection. This book is an invaluable resource for researches, industry professionals, engineers, and students working on cross-disciplinary problems in ocean hydrodynamics, optical remote sensing of the ocean and sea surface remote sensing. Readers in the fields of geosciences and remote sensing, applied physics, oceanography, satellite observation technology, and optical engineering will learn the theory and practice of optical interactions with the ocean.

The propagation of light in dispersive media is a subject of fundamental as well as practical importance. In recent years attention has focused in particular on how refractive index can vary with frequency in such a way that the group velocities of optical pulses can be much greater or much smaller than the speed of light in vacuum, or in which the refractive index can be negative. Treating these topics at an introductory to intermediate level, Fast Light, Slow Light and Left-Handed Light focuses on the basic theory and describes the significant experimental progress made during the past decade.
The book pays considerable attention to the fact that superluminal group velocities are not in conflict with special relativity and to the role of quantum effects in preventing superluminal communication and violations of Einstein causality. It also explores some of the basic physics at the opposite extreme of very slow group velocities as well as stopped and regenerated light, including the concepts of electromagnetically induced transparency and dark-state polaritons. Another very active aspect of the subject discussed concerns the possibility of designing metamaterials in which the refractive index can be negative and propagating light is left-handed in the sense that the phase and group velocities are in opposite directions. The last two chapters are an introduction to some of the basic theory and consequences of negative refractive index, with emphasis on the seminal work carried out since 2000. The possibility that "perfect" lenses can be made from negative-index metamaterials-which has been perhaps the most controversial aspect of the field-is introduced and discussed in some detail.

High-performance secondary batteries, also called rechargeable or storage batteries, are a key component of electric automobiles, power storage for renewable energies, load levellers of electric power lines, base stations for mobile phones, and emergency power supply in hospitals, in addition to having application in energy security and realization of a low-carbon and resilient society. A detailed understanding of the physics and chemistry that occur in secondary batteries is required for developing next-generation secondary batteries with improved performance. Among various types of secondary batteries, lithium-ion batteries are most widely used because of their high energy density, small memory effect, and low self-discharge rate. This book introduces lithium-ion batteries, with an emphasis on their overview, roadmaps, and simulations. It also provides extensive descriptions of ion beam analysis and prospects for in situ diagnostics of lithium-ion batteries. The chapters are written by specialists in cutting-edge research on lithium-ion batteries and related subjects. The book will be a great reference for advanced undergraduate- and graduate-level students, researchers, and engineers in electrochemistry, nanotechnology, and diagnostic methods and instruments.

Held every three years, The International Symposia on the Science and Technology of Light Sources (LS) provide a unique forum for the international community of engineers, scientists, research organizations, and academia from the lighting industry. In Light Sources 2004, leaders in their respective fields discuss the latest findings and exciting developments in light source research. Contributors provide valuable analyses and discussions on topics such as incandescent and halogen sources, fluorescent discharge sources, lamp-related electronic gear, high intensity discharge sources, diagnostics, solid state sources, modeling, dielectric barrier sources, excimer devices, and nonlighting applications.

This book gives a solution to the problem of constructing lightwave paths in free spaces by proposing the concept of a Self-Organized Lightwave Network (SOLNET). This concept enables us to form self-aligned coupling optical waveguides automatically. SOLNETs are fabricated by self-focusing of lightwaves in photosensitive media, in which the refractive index increases upon light beam exposure, to realize the following functions: 1) Optical solder: Self-aligned optical couplings between misaligned devices with different core sizes 2) Three-dimensional optical wiring 3) Targeting lightwaves onto specific objects SOLNETs are expected to reduce the efforts to implement lightwaves into electronic systems and allow us to create new architectures, thus reducing costs and energy dissipation and improving overall system performance. SOLNETs are also expected to be applied to a wide range of fields where lightwaves are utilized, for example, solar energy conversion systems and biomedical technologies, especially photo-assisted cancer therapies. Readers will systematically learn concepts and features of SOLNETs, SOLNET performance predicted by computer simulations, experimental demonstrations for the proof of concepts, and expected applications. They will also be prepared for future challenges of the applications. This book is intended to be read by scientists, engineers, and graduate students who study advanced optoelectronic systems such as optical interconnects within computers and optical networking systems, and those who produce new ideas or strategies on lightwave-related subjects.

Inorganic Phosphors: Compositions, Preparation and Optical Properties addresses practical and theoretical aspects of inorganic phosphors used in lighting and display applications. Authors Yen and Weber present the synthesis of phosphors in a ...cookbook... style that features nearly 300 ...recipes... using the most up-to-date guidelines and methods. They also categorize nearly 500 phosphors in terms of chemical composition and luminescence output wavelengths, summarizing their physical and emissive optical properties. This book is the first of its kind to provide a combined practical and technical foundation that can be used in commercial and academic research and development of new phosphors and applications.

This book describes algorithms and hardware implementations of computer holography, especially in terms of fast calculation. It summarizes the basics of holography and computer holography and describes how conventional diffraction calculations play a central role. Numerical implementations by actual codes will also be discussed. This book will explain new fast diffraction calculations, such as scaled scalar diffraction. Computer Holography will also explain acceleration algorithms for computer-generated hologram (CGH) generation and digital holography with 3D objects composed of point clouds, using look-up table- (LUT) based algorithms, and a wave front recording plane. 3D objects composed of polygons using tilted plane diffraction, expressed by multi-view images and RGB-D images, will be explained in this book. Digital holography, including inline, off-axis, Gabor digital holography, and phase shift digital holography, will also be explored. This book introduces applications of computer holography, including phase retrieval algorithm, holographic memory, holographic projection, and deep learning in computer holography, while explaining hardware implementations for computer holography. Recently, several parallel processors have been released (for example, multi-core CPU, GPU, Xeon Phi, and FPGA). Readers will learn how to apply algorithms to these processors. Features Provides an introduction of the basics of holography and computer holography Summarizes the latest advancements in computer-generated holograms Showcases the latest researchers of digital holography Discusses fast CGH algorithms and diffraction calculations, and their actual codes Includes hardware implementation for computer holography, and its actual codes and quasi-codes

The vast technological potential of nanocrystalline materials, as well as current intense interest in the physics and chemistry of nanoscale phenomena, has led to explosive growth in research on semiconductor nanocrystals, also known as nanocrystal quantum dots, and metal nanoparticles. Semiconductor and Metal Nanocrystals addresses current topics impacting the field including synthesis and assembly of nanocrystals, theory and spectroscopy of interband and intraband optical transitions, single-nanocrystal optical and tunneling spectroscopies, electrical transport in nanocrystal assemblies, and physical and engineering aspects of nanocrystal-based devices. Written by experts who have contributed pioneering research, this reference comprises key advances in the field of semiconductor nanocrystal quantum dots and metal nanoparticles over the past several years. Focusing specifically on nanocrystals generated through chemical techniques, Semiconductor and Metal Nanocrystals Merges investigative frontiers in physics, chemistry, and engineering Documents advances in nanocrystal synthesis and assembly Explores the theory of electronic excitations in nanoscale particles Presents comprehensive information on optical spectroscopy of interband and intraband optical transitions Reviews data on single-nanocrystal optical and tunneling spectroscopies Weighs controversies related to carrier relaxation dynamics in ultrasmall nanoparticles Discusses charge carrier transport in nanocrystal assemblies Provides examples of lasing and photovoltaic nanocrystal-based devices Semiconductor and Metal Nanocrystals is a must read for scientists, engineers, and upper-level undergraduate and graduate students interested in the physics and chemistry of nanoscale semiconductor and metal particles, as well as general nanoscale science. About the Editor: VICTOR I. KLIMOV is Team Leader, Softmatter Nanotechnology and Advanced Spectroscopy Team, Chemistry Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, New Mexico. The recipient of the Los Alamos Fellows Prize (2000), he is a Fellow of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, leader of the Nanophotonics and Nanoelectronics Thrust of the Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies (U.S. Department of Energy), a member of the Los Alamos Board of Governors of the Institute for Complex Adaptive Matter, and a member of the Steering Committee for the Los Alamos Quantum Institute. He received the M.S. (1978), Ph.D. (1981), and Dr. Sci. (1993) degrees from Moscow State University, Russia.

Revised to reflect technological advances and new applications, Practical Holography, Third Edition is a classic, comprehensive text suitable for anyone involved in holography, from the interested amateur to the practicing research scientist. At its most basic level, the book introduces the principles behind holography and takes the reader on a step-by-step course through the materials, equipment, and techniques required to produce their own holograms. The author takes a purely practical viewpoint, keeping the mathematical content to a minimum. Later chapters of the book form a valuable reference for research scientists working with holographic techniques in all applications.

Although photovoltaics are regarded by many as the most likely candidate for long term sustainable energy production, their implementation has been restricted by the high costs involved. Nevertheless, the theoretical limit on photovoltaic energy conversion efficiency-above 85%-suggests that there is room for substantial improvement of current commercially available solar cells, both silicon and thin-film based. Current research efforts are focused on implementing novel concepts to produce a new generation of low-cost, high-performance photovoltaics that make improved use of the solar spectrum.
Featuring contributions from pioneers of next generation photovoltaic research, Next Generation Photovoltaics: High Efficiency through Full Spectrum Utilization presents a comprehensive account of the current state-of-the-art in all aspects of the field. The book first discusses topics, such as multi-junction solar cells (the method closest to commercialization), quantum dot solar cells, hot carrier solar cells, multiple quantum well solar cells, and thermophotovoltaics. The final two chapters of the book consider the materials, fabrication methods, and concentrator optics used for advanced photovoltaic cells. This book will be an essential reference for graduate students and researchers working with solar cell technology.

Spin angular momentum of photons and the associated polarization of light has been known for many years. However, it is only over the last decade or so that physically realizable laboratory light beams have been used to study the orbital angular momentum of light. In many respects, orbital and spin angular momentum behave in a similar manner, but they differ significantly in others. In particular, orbital angular momentum offers exciting new possibilities with respect to the optical manipulation of matter and to the study of the entanglement of photons.
Bringing together 44 landmark papers, Optical Angular Momentum offers the first comprehensive overview of the subject as it has developed. It chronicles the first decade of this important subject and gives a definitive statement of the current status of all aspects of optical angular momentum. In each chapter the editors include a concise introduction, putting the selected papers into context and outlining the key articles associated with this aspect of the subject.

The term 'nonclassical states' refers to the quantum states which cannot be produced in the 'usual' sources of light, such as lasers or lamps, rather than those requiring more sophisticated apparatus for their production. This book describes the current status of the theory of nonclassical states of light including many new and important results as well as introductory material and the history of the subject. The authors concentrate on the most important types of nonclassical states, namely squeezed, even/odd ('Schrodinger cat') and binomial states, including their generalisations. However, a review of other types of nonclassical is also given in the introduction, and methods for generating nonclassical states on various processes of light-matter interaction, their phase-space description, and the time evolution of nonclassical states in these processes is presented in separate chapters.
This contributed volume contains all of the necessary formulae and references required to gain a good understanding of the principles and current status of the field. It will provide a valuable information resource for advanced students and researchers in quantum physics.

This book provides an overview of research achievements by industry experts and academic scientists in the subject area of Optoelectronics Technology and Industry. It covers a broad field ranging from Laser Technology and Applications, Optical Communications, Optoelectronic Devices and Integration, Energy Harvesting, to Medical and Biological Applications. Authored by highly-regarded researchers, contributing a wealth of knowledge on Photonics and Optoelectronics, this comprehensive collection of papers offers insight into innovative technologies, recent advances and future trends needed to develop effective research and manage projects. Researchers will benefit considerably when applying the technical information covered in this book.

This is the second volume of textbooks on atomic, molecular and optical physics, aiming at a comprehensive presentation of this highly productive branch of modern physics as an indispensable basis for many areas in physics and chemistry as well as in state of the art bio- and material-sciences. It primarily addresses advanced students (including PhD students), but in a number of selected subject areas the reader is lead up to the frontiers of present research. Thus even the active scientist is addressed. This volume 2 introduces lasers and quantum optics, while the main focus is on the structure of molecules and their spectroscopy, as well as on collision physics as the continuum counterpart to bound molecular states. The emphasis is always on the experiment and its interpretation, while the necessary theory is introduced from this perspective in a compact and occasionally somewhat heuristic manner, easy to follow even for beginners.

This book is a self-contained, programming-oriented and learner-centered book on finite element method (FEM), with special emphasis given to developing MATLAB (R) programs for numerical modeling of electromagnetic boundary value problems. It provides a deep understanding and intuition of FEM programming by means of step-by-step MATLAB (R) programs with detailed descriptions, and eventually enabling the readers to modify, adapt and apply the provided programs and formulations to develop FEM codes for similar problems through various exercises. It starts with simple one-dimensional static and time-harmonic problems and extends the developed theory to more complex two- or three-dimensional problems. It supplies sufficient theoretical background on the topic, and it thoroughly covers all phases (pre-processing, main body and post-processing) in FEM. FEM formulations are obtained for boundary value problems governed by a partial differential equation that is expressed in terms of a generic unknown function, and then, these formulations are specialized to various electromagnetic applications together with a post-processing phase. Since the method is mostly described in a general context, readers from other disciplines can also use this book and easily adapt the provided codes to their engineering problems. After forming a solid background on the fundamentals of FEM by means of canonical problems, readers are guided to more advanced applications of FEM in electromagnetics through a survey chapter at the end of the book. Offers a self-contained and easy-to-understand introduction to the theory and programming of finite element method. Covers various applications in the field of static and time-harmonic electromagnetics. Includes one-, two- and three-dimensional finite element codes in MATLAB (R). Enables readers to develop finite element programming skills through various MATLAB (R) codes and exercises. Promotes self-directed learning skills and provides an effective instruction tool.

The definition of optical material has expanded in recent years, largely because of IT advances that have led to rapid growth in optoelectronics applications. Helping to explain this evolution, Optical Materials and Applications presents contributions from leading experts who explore the basic concepts of optical materials and the many typical applications in which they are used. An invaluable reference for readers ranging from professionals to technical managers to graduate engineering students, this book covers everything from traditional principles to more cutting-edge topics. It also details recent developmental trends, with a focus on basic optical properties of material. Key topics include: Fundamental optical properties of solids Fundamental optical materials (including thin films) from both linear and nonlinear perspectives Use of bulk materials in the design of various modifications Application of optical thin films in artificial components Formation of artificial structures with sub-wavelength dimensions Use of physical or chemical techniques to control lightwave phase One-, two-, and three-dimensional structures used to control dispersion of materials for nanophotonics Progress of the optical waveguide, which makes optical systems more compact and highly efficient This book carefully balances coverage of theory and application of typical optical materials for ultraviolet, visible and infrared, non-linear optics, solid state lasers, optical waveguides, optical thin films and nanophotonics. It addresses both basic ideas and more advanced topics, making it an equally invaluable resource for beginners and active researchers in this growing field.

For years scientists turned to the CRC Handbook of Laser Science & Technology for reliable data on optical materials. Out of print for several years, that standard-setting work now has a successor: the Handbook of Optical Materials.

This new handbook is an authoritative compilation of the physical properties of materials used in all types of lasers and optical systems. In it, scientist, author, and editor Dr. Marvin J. Weber provides extensive data tabulations and references for the most important optical materials, including crystals, glasses, polymers, metals, liquids, and gases. The properties detailed include both linear and nonlinear optical properties, mechanical properties, thermal properties together with many additional special properties, such as electro-, magneto-, and elasto-optic properties.

Using a minimum of narration and logically organized by material properties, the handbook's unique presentation simplifies the process of comparing different materials for their suitability in particular applications. Appendices furnish a wealth of other useful information, including lists of the many abbreviations and acronyms that proliferate in this field. The Handbook of Optical Materials is simply the most complete one-stop source available for materials data essential to lasers and optical systems.

As different laser technologies continue to make it possible to change laser parameters and improve beam quality and performance, a multidisciplinary theoretical knowledge and grasp of cutting-edge technological developments also become increasingly important. The revised and updated Laser Technology, Second Edition reviews the principles and basic physical laws of lasers needed to learn from past developments and solve the many technical problems arising in this challenging field. The first edition of Laser Technology was classified by the Chinese National Education Committee as a "national-level key textbook." This updated second edition logically presents the various types of laser technology currently available and discusses the transmission of information using optical waves with modulating technology. It assesses how to enhance beam energy or power through Q switching, mode-locking, and amplification, and it illustrates how mode selection and frequency stabilizing technology can improve light beam directionality or monochromaticity. The text also covers nonlinear optical techniques for obtaining new frequencies and light waves. Features Self-Contained, Independent Chapters for Flexible Use The author presents the fundamentals of physical effects in technical devices and implementation methods to create a clear and systematic understanding of the physical processes of different laser technologies. Technical improvements to enhance laser performance in different applications have given rise to new physical phenomena. These have resulted in a series of new laser branches and fields of applied technologies, such as laser physics, nonlinear optics, laser spectroscopy, laser medicine, and information optoelectronic technology. This book analyzes this growth, stressing basic principles but also including key technical methods and examples where needed to properly combine practical and theoretical coverage of this distinct area.

Ultrashort pulses in mode-locked lasers are receiving focused attention from researchers looking to apply them in a variety of fields, from optical clock technology to measurements of the fundamental constants of nature and ultrahigh-speed optical communications. Ultrashort pulses are especially important for the next generation of ultrahigh-speed optical systems and networks operating at 100 Gbps per carrier. Ultra Fast Fiber Lasers: Principles and Applications with MATLAB (R) Models is a self-contained reference for engineers and others in the fields of applied photonics and optical communications. Covering both fundamentals and advanced research, this book includes both theoretical and experimental results. MATLAB files are included to provide a basic grounding in the simulation of the generation of short pulses and the propagation or circulation around nonlinear fiber rings. With its unique and extensive content, this volume- Covers fundamental principles involved in the generation of ultrashort pulses employing fiber ring lasers, particularly those that incorporate active optical modulators of amplitude or phase types Presents experimental techniques for the generation, detection, and characterization of ultrashort pulse sequences derived from several current schemes Describes the multiplication of ultrashort pulse sequences using the Talbot diffraction effects in the time domain via the use of highly dispersive media Discusses developments of multiple short pulses in the form of solitons binding together by phase states Elucidates the generation of short pulse sequences and multiple wavelength channels from a single fiber laser The most practical short pulse sources are always found in the form of guided wave photonic structures. This minimizes problems with alignment and eases coupling into fiber transmission systems. In meeting these requirements, fiber ring lasers operating in active mode serve well as suitable ultrashort pulse sources. It is only a matter of time before scientists building on this research develop the practical and easy-to-use applications that will make ultrahigh-speed optical systems universally available.