The purposes of this book are twofold. First, the various different methods of accessing the THz range discussed here should serve to convince the reader that there have been qualitative and significant improvements over older, more conventional techniques. It should be clear that these improvements enable practical "real-world" applications of THz technology, in a manner which would not have been possible before. The reader should be convinced that this is a realistic goal within the next few years. Second, the demonstrations and feasibility tests described here should serve as compelling evidence of the utility of such devices. Owing to the unique characteristics of THz radiation and its interaction with materials, these devices have substantial advantages over other, competing technologies in a number of different areas.

MXenes offer single step processing, excellent electrical conductivity, easy heat dissipation behavior, and capacitor-like properties and are used in photodetectors, lithium-ion batteries, solar cells, photocatalysis, electrochemiluminescence sensors, and supercapacitors. Because of their superior electrical and thermal conductivities, these composites are an ideal choice in electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding. MXene Nanocomposites: Design, Fabrication, and Shielding Applications presents a comprehensive overview of these emerging materials, including their underlying chemistry, fabrication strategies, and cutting-edge applications in EMI shielding. * Covers modern fabrication technologies, processing, properties, nanostructure formation, and mechanisms of reinforcement. * Discuss biocompatibility, suitability, and toxic effects. * Details innovations, applications, opportunities, and future directions in EMI shielding applications. This book is aimed at researchers and advanced students in materials science and engineering and is unique in its detailed coverage of MXene-based polymer composites for EMI shielding.

This volume presents peer reviewed and selected papers of the International Youth Conference on Electronics, Telecommunications and Information Technologies (YETI-2020), held in Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, St. Petersburg on July 10-11, 2020. It discusses current trends and major advances in electronics, telecommunications, optical and information technologies, focusing, in particular, on theoretical and practical aspects of developing novel devices and materials, improving data processing methods and technologies. The conference brings together young researchers and early-career scientists participating in a series of lectures and presentations, establishing contacts with potential partners, sharing new project ideas and starting new collaborations.

A Powerful Window into Cosmic Evolution Terahertz (THz) observations of interstellar atoms, molecules, and dust serve as powerful probes of the conditions within the interstellar medium that permeates our galaxy, providing insights into the origins of stars, planets, galaxies, and the Universe. Taking a cross-disciplinary approach to the subject, Terahertz Astronomy explores THz astrophysics and the technologies that make this rapidly evolving field possible. The first four chapters of the book discuss the origin and interpretation of THz light in astrophysical sources. The remaining five chapters present an overview of the technologies used to collect and detect THz light. Every chapter contains worked-out examples and exercises. The author explains each topic as intuitively as possible and includes the equations needed for real-life astrophysical applications. In just a few years, the number of active THz researchers has substantially grown due to increased interest in terrestrial remote sensing at THz frequencies. This book provides researchers with both the background science and technology to interpret THz observations and design, build, and deploy THz astronomical instrumentation.

This book highlights the comprehensive knowledge and latest progress in broadband terahertz (THz) technology. THz communication technology is believed to be one of the major choices that succeed the fifth-generation (5G) communication technology. With years of efforts, the author's team has created a number of world records in the generation, transmission, and reception of ultra wideband THz signal, realizing the MIMO transmission and reception of THz communication, the THz signal transmission with communication capacity of 1 Tbit / s, and the optical fiber and THz integrated transmission. A variety of linear and nonlinear algorithms for multi-carrier and single-carrier THz communication systems are developed, which greatly improves the transmission performance of broadband systems. The book covers in details the broadband THz signal generation, long-distance transmission, and high sensitivity detection. It is of great reference value for researchers, engineers, and graduate students in optical and wireless communications.

During the last decade our expertise in nanotechnology has advanced considerably. The possibility of incorporating in the same nanostructure different organic and inorganic materials has opened up a promising field of research, and has greatly increased the interest in the study of properties of excitations in organic materials. In this book not only the fundamentals of Frenkel exciton and polariton theory are described, but also the electronic excitations and electronic energy transfers in quantum wells, quantum wires and quantum dots, at surfaces, at interfaces, in thin films, in multilayers, and in microcavities. Among the new topics in the book are those devoted to the optics of hybrid Frenkel-Wannier-Mott excitons in nanostructures, polaritons in organic microcavities including hybrid organic-inorganic microcavities, new concepts for organic light emitting devices, the mixing of Frenkel and charge-transfer excitons in organic quasi one-dimensional crystals, excitons and polaritons in one and two-dimensional crystals, surface electronic excitations, optical biphonons, and Fermi resonances by polaritons. All new phenomena described in the book are illustrated by available experimental observations.
The book will be useful for scientists working in the field of photophysics and photochemistry of organic solids (for example, organic light-emitting devices and solar cells), and for students who are entering this field. It is partly based on a book by the author written in 1968 - "Theory of Excitons" - in Russian. However the new book includes only 5 chapters from this version, all of which have been updated. The 10 new chapters contain discussions of new phenomena, their theory and their experimental observations.

First and pioneering in the field Presents an authoritative description of a young field of research, with a long life ahead Clearly shows the role of multidisciplinary and team work, particularly addressed by combining theoretical/experimental expertise

Optical interference plays a prominent role in scientific discovery and modern technology. Historically, optical interference was instrumental in establishing the wave nature of light. Nowadays, optical interference continues to be of great importance in areas such as spectroscopy and metrology. Thus far, the physical optics literature has discussed the interference of optical waves with the same single frequency (i.e., homodyne interference) and the interference of optical waves with two different frequencies (i.e., heterodyne interference), but it hardly ever deals with the interference of optical waves whose frequencies are continuously modulated (i.e., frequency-modulated continuous-wave int- ference). Frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) interference, which was originally investigated in radar in the 1950s, has been recently introduced in optics. The study of optical FMCW interference not only updates our kno- edge about the nature of light but also creates a new advanced technology for precision measurements. This book introduces the principles, applications, and signal processing of optical FMCW interference. The layout of this book is straightforward. Chapter 1 gives a short introduction to optical FMCW interferometry by considering the historical development, general concepts, and major advantages provided by this new technology. Chapter 2 focuses on the principles of optical FMCW interference. Three different versions of optical FMCW interference- sawtooth-wave optical FMCW interference, triangular-wave optical FMCW interference, and sinusoidal-wave optical FMCW interference-are discussed in detail. Moreover, multiple-beam optical FMCW interference and multip- wavelength optical FMCW interference are also discussed by this chapter.

This book is the first to place revolutionary advances in light and optics in the cultural context of France in the first half of the nineteenth century. The narrative follows the work and careers of France's two chief rivals on the subject of light: Arago and Biot. Their disagreement began on the subject of technical optics, but expanded to include politics, religion, agricultural policy, education, dinner companions, housing arrangements, photography, railroads, vital forces, astrology, the Egyptian calendar, and colonial slavery. At the heart of their disagreement was always a question of visibility, and the extent of transparency or obscurity they assigned to the world. Optical transparency formed a crucial condition for Arago's vision of a liberal republic governed by reason. Biot's call for strong forms of authority rested on his claims that the world did not offer itself up for universal agreement so easily.

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the latest developments in the field of spin dynamics and magnetic damping. It discusses the various ways to tune damping, specifically, dynamic and static control in a ferromagnetic layer/heavy metal layer. In addition, it addresses all optical detection techniques for the investigation of modulation of damping, for example, the time-resolved magneto-optical Kerr effect technique.

The present book focuses on recent advances methods and applications in photovoltaic (PV) systems. The book is divided into two parts: the first part deals with some theoretical, simulation and experiments on solar cells, including efficiency improvement, new materials and behavior performances. While the second part of the book devoted mainly on the application of advanced methods in PV systems, including advanced control, FPGA implementation, output power forecasting based artificial intelligence technique (AI), high PV penetration, reconfigurable PV architectures and fault detection and diagnosis based AI. The authors of the book trying to show to readers more details about some theoretical methods and applications in solar cells and PV systems (eg. advanced algorithms for control, optimization, power forecasting, monitoring and fault diagnosis methods). The applications are mainly carried out in different laboratories and location around the world as projects (Algeria, KSA, Turkey, Morocco, Italy and France). The book will be addressed to scientists, academics, researchers and PhD students working in this topic. The book will help readers to understand some applications including control, forecasting, monitoring, fault diagnosis of photovoltaic plants, as well as in solar cells such as behavior performances and efficiency improvement. It could be also be used as a reference and help industry sectors interested by prototype development.

This book discusses analytic and asymptotic methods relevant to radiative transfer in dilute media, such as stellar and planetary atmospheres. Several methods, providing exact expressions for the radiation field in a semi-infinite atmosphere, are described in detail and applied to unpolarized and polarized continuous spectra and spectral lines. Among these methods, the Wiener-Hopf method, introduced in 1931 for a stellar atmospheric problem, is used today in fields such as solid mechanics, diffraction theory, or mathematical finance. Asymptotic analyses are carried out on unpolarized and polarized radiative transfer equations and on a discrete time random walk. Applicable when photons undergo a large number of scatterings, they provide criteria to distinguish between large-scale diffusive and non-diffusive behaviors, typical scales of variation of the radiation field, such as the thermalization length, and specific descriptions for regions close and far from boundaries. Its well organized synthetic view of exact and asymptotic methods of radiative transfer makes this book a valuable resource for both graduate students and professional scientists in astrophysics and beyond.

This book originates from lectures delivered at the First International School "Laser-surface interactions for new materials production: tailoring structure and properties" that was held in San Servolo Island, Venice (Italy) from 13 to 20 July, 2008 under the direction of A. Miotello and P. M. Ossi. The purpose of the School was to provide the students (mainly PhD) with a compreh- sive overview of basic aspects and applications connected to the laser-matter interaction both to modify surface properties and to prepare new materials by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) at the nanometer scale. The ?eld is re- tively young and grewrapidly in the last 10 years because of the possibility of depositingvirtuallyanymaterial,includingmulti-component?lms,preserving the composition of the ablated target and generally avoiding post-deposition thermaltreatments. Inaddition,theexperimentalsetupforPLDiscompatible with in situ diagnostics of both the plasma and the growing ?lm. The basic laser-surface interaction mechanisms, possibly in an ambient atmosphere, either chemically reactive or inert, are a challenge to sci- tists, while engineers are mostly interested in the characteristics of the deposited materials and the possibility of tailoring their properties through an appropriate tuning of the deposition parameters.

Of interest to scientists working in the field of optics or nonlinear physics, this book gives an overview of current developments in nonlinear photorefractive optics. It dicusses exciting discoveries, with special emphasis on transverse effects such as spatial soliton formation and interaction, spontaneous pattern formation and pattern competition in active feedback systems. Different aspects of potential applications, such as wave guiding in adaptive photorefractive solitons and techniques for pattern control for information processing, are also described. The author Professor Denz received the Lise Meitner Prize in 1993 for her dissertation on photorefractive neural networks and in 1999 the Adolf Messer Prize for the development of an optical motion detection filter.

This book highlights principles and applications of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). After introducing the basic concepts, research progress, standardizations and limitations of EMC, the book puts emphasis on presenting the generation mechanisms and suppression principles of conducted electromagnetic interference (EMI) noise, radiated EMI noise, and electromagnetic susceptibility (EMS) problems such as electrostatic discharge (ESD), electric fast transient (EFT) and surge. By showing EMC case studies and solved examples, the book provides effective solutions to practical engineering problems. Students and researchers will be able to use the book as practical reference for EMC-related measurements and problem- solution.

What are the physical mechanisms that underlie the efficient generation and transfer of energy at the nanoscale? Nature seems to know the answer to this question, having optimised the process of photosynthesis in plants over millions of years of evolution. It is conceivable that humans could mimic this process using synthetic materials, and organic semiconductors have attracted a lot of attention in this respect. Once an organic semiconductor absorbs light, bound pairs of electrons with positively charged holes, termed `excitons', are formed. Excitons behave as fundamental energy carriers, hence understanding the physics behind their efficient generation and transfer is critical to realising the potential of organic semiconductors for light-harvesting and other applications, such as LEDs and transistors. However, this problem is extremely challenging since excitons can interact very strongly with photons. Moreover, simultaneously with the exciton motion, organic molecules can vibrate in hundreds of possible ways, having a very strong effect on energy transfer. The description of these complex phenomena is often beyond the reach of standard quantum mechanical methods which rely on the assumption of weak interactions between excitons, photons and vibrations. In this thesis, Antonios Alvertis addresses this problem through the development and application of a variety of different theoretical methods to the description of these strong interactions, providing pedagogical explanations of the underlying physics. A comprehensive introduction to organic semiconductors is followed by a review of the background theory that is employed to approach the relevant research questions, and the theoretical results are presented in close connection with experiment, yielding valuable insights for experimentalists and theoreticians alike.

This thesis sheds light on the unique dynamics of optoelectronic devices based on semiconductor quantum-dots. The complex scattering processes involved in filling the optically active quantum-dot states and the presence of charge-carrier nonequilibrium conditions are identified as sources for the distinct dynamical behavior of quantum-dot based devices. Comprehensive theoretical models, which allow for an accurate description of such devices, are presented and applied to recent experimental observations. The low sensitivity of quantum-dot lasers to optical perturbations is directly attributed to their unique charge-carrier dynamics and amplitude-phase-coupling, which is found not to be accurately described by conventional approaches. The potential of quantum-dot semiconductor optical amplifiers for novel applications such as simultaneous multi-state amplification, ultra-wide wavelength conversion, and coherent pulse shaping is investigated. The scattering mechanisms and the unique electronic structure of semiconductor quantum-dots are found to make such devices prime candidates for the implementation of next-generation optoelectronic applications, which could significantly simplify optical telecommunication networks and open up novel high-speed data transmission schemes.

This book provides a bridge between the basic principles of physics learned as an undergraduate and the skills and knowledge required for advanced study and research in the exciting field of atomic physics. The text is organized in a unique and versatile format --- as a collection of problems, hints, detailed solutions, and in-depth tutorials. This enables the reader to open the book at any page and get a solid introduction to subjects on the cutting edge of atomic physics, such as frequency comb metrology, tests of fundamental symmetries with atoms, atomic magnetometers, atom trapping and cooling, and Bose-Einstein condensates. The text also includes problems and tutorials on important basics that every practicing atomic physicist should know, but approached from the perspective of experimentalists: formal calculations are avoided where possible in favor of 'back-of-the-envelope' estimates, symmetry arguments, and physical analogies. The 2nd edition contains over 10 new problems, and includes important updates, revisions, and corrections of several problems of the 1st edition.

This thesis investigates passively mode-locked semiconductor lasers by numerical methods. The understanding and optimization of such devices is crucial to the advancement of technologies such as optical data communication and dual comb spectroscopy. The focus of the thesis is therefore on the development of efficient numerical models, which are able both to perform larger parameter studies and to provide quantitative predictions. Along with that, visualization and evaluation techniques for the rich spatio-temporal laser dynamics are developed; these facilitate the physical interpretation of the observed features. The investigations in this thesis revolve around two specific semiconductor devices, namely a monolithically integrated three-section tapered quantum-dot laser and a V-shaped external cavity laser. In both cases, the simulations closely tie in with experimental results, which have been obtained in collaboration with the TU Darmstadt and the ETH Zurich. Based on the successful numerical reproduction of the experimental findings, the emission dynamics of both lasers can be understood in terms of the cavity geometry and the active medium dynamics. The latter, in particular, highlights the value of the developed simulation tools, since the fast charge-carrier dynamics are generally not experimentally accessible during mode-locking operation. Lastly, the numerical models are used to perform laser design explorations and thus to derive recommendations for further optimizations.

Quantum optics, i.e. the interaction of individual photons with matter, began with the discoveries of Planck and Einstein, but in recent years, it has expanded beyond pure physics to become an important driving force for technological innovation. This book serves the broader readership growing out of this development by starting with an elementary description of the underlying physics and then building up a more advanced treatment. The reader is led from the quantum theory of the simple harmonic oscillator to the application of entangled states to quantum information processing.
An equally important feature of the text is a strong emphasis on experimental methods. Primary photon detection, heterodyne and homodyne techniques, spontaneous down-conversion, and quantum tomography are discussed, together with important experiments. These experimental and theoretical considerations come together in the chapters describing quantum cryptography, quantum communications, and quantum computing.

This volume contains tutorial papers from the lectures and seminars presented at the NATO Advanced Study Institute on "Instabilities and Chaos in Quantum Optics", held at the "Il Ciocco" Conference Center, Castelvecchio Pascoli, Lucca, Italy, June 28-July 7, 1987. The title of the volume is designated Instabilities and Chaos in Quantum Optics II, because of the nearly coincident publication of a collection of articles on research in this field edited by F.T. Arecchi and R.G. Harrison [Instabilities and Chaos in Quantum Optics, (Springer, Berlin, 1987) 1. That volume provides more detailed information about some of these topics. Together they will serve as a comprehensive and tutorial pair of companion volumes. This school was directed by Prof. Massimo Inguscio, of the Department of Physics, University of Naples, Naples, Italy to whom we express our gratitude on behalf of all lecturers and students. The Scientific Advisory Committee consisted of N.B. Abraham of Bryn Mawr College; F.T. Arecchi of the National Institute of Optics in Florence and the University of Florence, and L.A. Lugiato of the Politechnic Institute of Torino. The school continues the long tradition of Europhysics Summer Schools in Quantum Electronics which have provided instruction and training for young researchers and advanced students working in this field for almost twenty years.

Photonic Crystals: The Road from Theory to Practice explores the theoretical road leading to the practical application of photonic band gaps. These new optimal devices are based on symmetry and resonance and the benefits and limitations of hybrid "two dimensional" slab systems in three dimensions. The book also explains that they also signify a return to the ideal of an omnidirectional band gap in a structure inspired by and emulating the simplicity of two dimensions. Finally, the book takes a look at computational methods to solve the mathematical problems that underlie all undertakings in this field. Photonic Crystals: The Road from Theory to Practice should rapidly bring the optical professional and engineer up to speed on this intersection of electromagnetism and solid-state physics. It will also provide an excellent addition to any graduate course in optics.

Describes how nanomaterial functionalization is being used to create more effective sensors. Discusses various synthesis procedures, characterization techniques, and which nanomaterials should be used for sensing applications. Provides an in-depth look into oxide nanostructures, carbon nanostructures, and 2D material fabrication. Explores the challenges of using nanoscale sensors for large-scale industrial applications.

This book is dedicated to Professor Leonid V Keldysh. His brilliant contributions to condensed matter physics include the Franz-Keldysh effect, an electron-hole liquid, the nonequilibrium (Keldysh) diagram technique, Bose-Einstein condensation (of excitons) and a metal-dielectric'' transition, acoustically-induced superlattices, multi-photon transitions and impact ionization in solids. In many respects, his work influenced and formed the paradigm of modern condensed matter physics. As a result, many famous researchers in the field have enthusiastically provided unique contributions to the book.