Solitons are a fascinating topic for study and a major source of interest for potential application in optical communication. Possibly the first observation of a soliton occurred in 1838 and was made by a clerical gentleman riding a horse along a canal towpath. When a barge under tow came to a stop alongside him the bow wave did not stop, but continued to travel on its own for several miles with no change in shape. At the time this unusual phenomenon was not understood and remained unexplained. Interest was revived with the development of optical fibres and the realisation that at the high intensities possible in their very small cores the onset of non-linear effects could modify the propagation characteristics in a significant way. In a seminal paper in 1973 Hasegawa and Tappert solved a non-linear Schrodinger equation for fibre propagation and found solutions for solitary waves, i.e. solitons. Since then advances have been very rapid resulting in a much better understanding of a wide variety of soliton effects, and, crucially, the realisation that soliton propagation can be used to potentially great advantage in practical long-distance systems. There is, as a result, a wealth of theoretical and experimental research in progress all over the world. At NTT (Japan) a pule-code-modulated soliton train has been transmitted at 10Gbit/s over one million kilometres with zero error! Perhaps all long-distance, large bandwidth communication problems have been solved for ever. This book gives a clear account of the theory and mathematics of solitons travelling in optical fibres. It is written by the authority on the subject.

This book gathers contributions on various aspects of the theory and applications of linear and nonlinear waves and associated phenomena, as well as approaches developed in a global partnership of researchers with the national Centre of Excellence in Nonlinear Studies (CENS) at the Department of Cybernetics of Tallinn University of Technology in Estonia. The papers chiefly focus on the role of mathematics in the analysis of wave phenomena. They highlight the complexity of related topics concerning wave generation, propagation, transformation and impact in solids, gases, fluids and human tissues, while also sharing insights into selected mathematical methods for the analytical and numerical treatment of complex phenomena. In addition, the contributions derive advanced mathematical models, share innovative ideas on computing, and present novel applications for a number of research fields where both linear and nonlinear wave problems play an important role. The papers are written in a tutorial style, intended for non-specialist researchers and students. The authors first describe the basics of a problem that is currently of interest in the scientific community, discuss the state of the art in related research, and then share their own experiences in tackling the problem. Each chapter highlights the importance of applied mathematics for central issues in the study of waves and associated complex phenomena in different media. The topics range from basic principles of wave mechanics up to the mathematics of Planet Earth in the broadest sense, including contemporary challenges in the mathematics of society. In turn, the areas of application range from classic ocean wave mathematics to material science, and to human nerves and tissues. All contributions describe the approaches in a straightforward manner, making them ideal material for educational purposes, e.g. for courses, master class lectures, or seminar presentations.

These proceedings comprise of invited and contributed papers presented at the 13th International Conference on X-Ray Lasers (ICXRL 2012) which was held 11 15 June 2012 in Paris, France, in the famous Quartier Latin, inside the historical Center of Cordeliers. This conference is part of a continuing series dedicated to recent developments and applications of x-ray lasers and other coherent x-ray sources with attention to supporting technologies and instrumentation.
New results in the generation of intense coherent x-rays and progress towards practical devices and their applications are reported in these proceedings, including areas of research in plasma-based x-ray lasers, 4th generation accelerator-based sources and higher harmonic generation.
Recent achievements related to the increase of the repetition rate up to 100 Hz and shorter wavelength collisional plasma-based soft x-ray lasers down to about 7 nm are presented. Seeding the amplifying plasma with a femtosecond high-order harmonic of infrared laser was foreseen as the required breakthrough to break the picosecond frontier. Numerical simulations based on the Maxwell-Bloch model are presented in these proceedings, transposing the chirped pulse amplification technique to the x-ray domain in order to increase the time over which the femtosecond seed can be amplified.
These proceedings also include innovative applications of soft x ray lasers based on techniques and diagnostics relevant to topical domains such as EUV lithography, inertial confinement fusion, or warm dense matter physics."

This book offers readers a comprehensive, detailed analysis and treatment of optical waveguides (fiber, slab), an essential component of ultra-high bandwidth long, medium and short-haul telecommunication. The author describes an analysis scheme for optical waveguides that combines both geometric|ray optics and Maxwell's equations-based classical electrodynamics. This unique approach enables readers to develop an intuitive understanding of this topic, starting with macro properties, e.g., V parameter of an optical fiber, and progressively refining the analysis to individual modes of propagation through an optical waveguide. An exhaustive set of diagrams highlight the key features of an optical waveguide property, such as acceptance angle, meridional and skew rays in an optical fiber, or signal attenuation and dispersion in an optical waveguide. The author also provides a set of ready-to-use, ANSI C executables (for both Linux and Windows) that enable the reader to e.g, determine the allowed propagation modes (even, odd TE|TM) of a graded, step index optical fiber and a slab waveguide. Offers readers a single-source reference to the analysis and design of optical waveguides; Begins with macro-level analysis of the properties of optical waveguides and dives deeply into details in a step-by-step manner, enabling readers to develop an intuitive understanding; Includes C language executables, along with optical waveguide analysis and design examples to demonstrate their use in context.

This handbook presents the key properties of silicon carbide (SiC), the power semiconductor for the 21st century. It describes related technologies, reports the rapid developments and achievements in recent years, and discusses the remaining challenging issues in the field. The book consists of 15 chapters, beginning with a chapter by Professor W. J. Choyke, the leading authority in the field, and is divided into four sections. The topics include presolar SiC history, vapor-liquid-solid growth, spectroscopic investigations of 3C-SiC/Si, developments and challenges in the 21st century; CVD principles and techniques, homoepitaxy of 4H-SiC, cubic SiC grown on 4H-SiC, SiC thermal oxidation processes and MOS interface, raman scattering, NIR luminescent studies, Mueller matrix ellipsometry, raman microscopy and imaging, 4H-SiC UV photodiodes, radiation detectors, and short wavelength and synchrotron X-ray diffraction. This comprehensive work provides a strong contribution to the engineering, materials, and basic science knowledge of the 21st century, and will be of interest to material growers, designers, engineers, scientists, postgraduate students, and entrepreneurs.

Semiconductor quantum dots represent one of the fields of solid state physics that have experienced the greatest progress in the last decade. Recent years have witnessed the discovery of many striking new aspects of the optical response and electronic transport phenomena. This book surveys this progress in the physics, optical spectroscopy and application-oriented research of semiconductor quantum dots. It focuses especially on excitons, multi-excitons, their dynamical relaxation behaviour and their interactions with the surroundings of a semiconductor quantum dot. Recent developments in fabrication techniques are reviewed and potential applications discussed. This book will serve not only as an introductory textbook for graduate students but also as a concise guide for active researchers.

Transformation electromagnetics is a systematic design technique for optical and electromagnetic devices that enables novel wave-material interaction properties. The associated metamaterials technology for designing and realizing optical and electromagnetic devices can control the behavior of light and electromagnetic waves in ways that have not been conventionally possible. The technique is credited with numerous novel device designs, most notably the invisibility cloaks, perfect lenses and a host of other remarkable devices. Transformation Electromagnetics and Metamaterials: Fundamental Principles and Applications presents a comprehensive treatment of the rapidly growing area of transformation electromagnetics and related metamaterial technology with contributions on the subject provided by a collection of leading experts from around the world. On the theoretical side, the following questions will be addressed: "Where does transformation electromagnetics come from?," "What are the general material properties for different classes of coordinate transformations?," "What are the limitations and challenges of device realizations?," and "What theoretical tools are available to make the coordinate transformation-based designs more amenable to fabrication using currently available techniques?" The comprehensive theoretical treatment will be complemented by device designs and/or realizations in various frequency regimes and applications including acoustic, radio frequency, terahertz, infrared, and the visible spectrum. The applications encompass invisibility cloaks, gradient-index lenses in the microwave and optical regimes, negative-index superlenses for sub-wavelength resolution focusing, flat lenses that produce highly collimated beams from an embedded antenna or optical source, beam concentrators, polarization rotators and splitters, perfect electromagnetic absorbers, and many others. This book will serve as the authoritative reference for students and researchers alike to the fast-evolving and exciting research area of transformation electromagnetics/optics, its application to the design of revolutionary new devices, and their associated metamaterial realizations.

The first complete guide to nonlinear theory and practice for engineers

Nonlinear Optics is a highly accessible, applications-oriented introduction to a new and rapidly growing field. An indispensable resource for both electrical engineering students and professionals working in the telecommunications and optoelectronics industry, it:

• Treats the subject of nonlinear optics in purely classical terms for electrical engineers
• Offers numerous real-world examples clearly demonstrating the connection between theory and practical application
• Features helpful chapter-end problems and numerous examples
• Explores current and future applications of nonlinear optics in telecommunications, computers, and other fields

Due to its many applications in fiber-optic communications and optoelectronics the propagation of light through nonlinear media is an increasingly important topic among electrical engineers. Unfortunately, books geared to the specific concerns of electrical engineering students and professionals in the telecommunications and optoelectronics industry continue to be in short supply. This book is designed to fill that gap.

Nonlinear Optics is a complete, self-contained, applications-oriented introduction to the field. In an effort to make this book as accessible as possible to its intended audience, E. G. Sauter has foregone quantum mechanical descriptions, choosing instead to treat the subject of nonlinear optics in purely classical terms. He has also included numerous real-world examples that clearly demonstrate the connection between theory and practical application.

The book begins with the theoretical foundations for the practical discussions that follow. Dr. Sauter treats the basic relations between polarization and electric field strength, the different nonlinear effects of polarizations of order two and three, wave propagation of complex phasors in nonlinear media and anisotropic media, and the conservation of energy and momentum in nonlinear processes.

Over the six chapters that follow, these theories are applied to specific cases, including the linear electrooptic effects; second harmonic generation; parametric effects; four-wave mixing, including the Raman and Brillouin effects; and the optical Kerr effect. The remaining chapters present in-depth discussions of pulse propagation, solitons, and nonlinear effects in glass fibers.

Helpful problems appear at the end of each chapter, and numerous worked and unworked examples are scattered throughout the text to elucidate principles and clarify complex material.

A highly accessible, applications-oriented introduction to a new and rapidly growing field, Nonlinear Optics is an indispensable resource for both electrical engineering students and working professionals.

Several Python programming books feature tools designed for experimental psychologists. What sets this book apart is its focus on eye-tracking. Eye-tracking is a widely used research technique in psychology and neuroscience labs. Research grade eye-trackers are typically faster, more accurate, and of course, more expensive than the ones seen in consumer goods or usability labs. Not surprisingly, a successful eye-tracking study usually requires sophisticated computer programming. Easy syntax and flexibility make Python a perfect choice for this task, especially for psychology researchers with little or no computer programming experience. This book offers detailed coverage of the Pylink library, a Python interface for the gold standard EyeLink (R) eye-trackers, with many step-by-step example scripts. This book is a useful reference for eye-tracking researchers, but you can also use it as a textbook for graduate-level programming courses.

Advances in Imaging and Electron Physics merges two long-running serials, Advances in Electronics and Electron Physics and Advances in Optical and Electron Microscopy. The series features extended articles on the physics of electron devices (especially semiconductor devices), particle optics at high and low energies, microlithography, image science, digital image processing, electromagnetic wave propagation, electron microscopy, and the computing methods used in all these domains.

This thesis considers molecular orientation in thin films and introduces an optical model describing this orientation as applied to organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). It also describes the electronic structure of intermolecular charge transfer excitons correlated to molecular orientation in solids. It has long been known that molecular orientation influences the electrical and optical properties of molecular films. One notable example is in liquid crystals where rigid rod or disk shaped molecules are commonly used. Understanding the origin of the molecular orientation and its control by surface treatment and electric field resulted in the development of liquid crystal displays. The same thing has happened in organic electronics, and considerable effort has been devoted to understanding and controlling molecular orientation in solid films to improve charge carrier mobility and light absorption, ultimately to improve the performance of organic solar cells and thin film transistors. In contrast, less attention has been paid to molecular orientation and its influence on the characteristics of OLEDs, probably because of the use of amorphous films rather than micro-crystalline films, and it is only in recent years that some molecular films are known to have preferred orientation. This thesis addresses this topic, focusing on OLEDs, describing the origin and control of the orientation of phosphorescent Ir complexes possessing spherical shape rather than rod or disk shape, the simulation of the optical characteristics of OLEDs influenced by preferred molecular orientation, and finally the orientation of intermolecular charge transfer excitons and its correlation to electronic structures in thin films.

This new edition of a well-received textbook provides a concise introduction to both the theoretical and experimental aspects of quantum information at the graduate level. While the previous edition focused on theory, the book now incorporates discussions of experimental platforms. Several chapters on experimental implementations of quantum information protocols have been added: implementations using neutral atoms, trapped ions, optics, and solidstate systems are each presented in its own chapter. Previous chapters on entanglement, quantum measurements, quantum dynamics, quantum cryptography, and quantum algorithms have been thoroughly updated, and new additions include chapters on the stabilizer formalism and the Gottesman-Knill theorem as well as aspects of classical and quantum information theory. To facilitate learning, each chapter starts with a clear motivation to the topic and closes with exercises and a recommended reading list. Quantum Information Processing: Theory and Implementation will be essential to graduate students studying quantum information as well as and researchers in other areas of physics who wish to gain knowledge in the field.

Covers the fundamentals and research on graphene, including synthesis, properties, and various applications of graphene nanosheets Is a unique book on such an advanced research topic Gives an overview of the current status of the research and development in graphene Is illustrated throughout with excellent figures and includes latest references to accompany each section

Shuji Nakamura's development of a blue semiconductor laser on the basis of GaN opens the way for a host of new applications of semiconductor lasers. The wavelengths can be tuned by controlling the composition. For the first time it is possible to produce lasers with various wavelengths, ranging from red through yellow and green to blue, in one substrate material. This fact, together with their high efficiency, makes GaN-based lasers very useful for a wide spectrum of applications. The second edition of this basic book on GaN-based devices has been updated and significantly extended. It includes a survey of worldwide research on GaN, as well as Nakamura's latest important developments. The reader finds a careful introduction to the physics and properties of GaN. The main part of the book deals with the production and characteristics of GaN LDs and LEDs. To complete the spectrum of applications, GaN power devices are also described.

This book describes and provides design guidelines for antennas that achieve compactness by using the slot radiator as the fundamental building block within a periodic array, rather than a phased array. It provides the basic electromagnetic tools required to design and analyse these novel antennas, with sample calculations where relevant. The book presents a focused introduction and valuable insights into the relevant antenna technology, together with an overview of the main directions in the evolving technology of compact planar arrays. While the book discusses the historical evolution of compact array antennas, its main focus is on summarising the extensive body of literature on compact antennas. With regard to the now ubiquitous slot radiator, it seeks to demonstrate how, despite significant antenna size reductions that at times even seem to defy the laws of physics, desirable radiation pattern properties can be preserved. This is supported by an examination of recent advances in frequency selective surfaces and in metamaterials, which can, if handled correctly, be used to facilitate physics-defying designs. The book offers a valuable source of information for communication systems and antenna design engineers, especially thanks to its overview of trends in compact planar arrays, yet will also be of interest to students and researchers, as it provides a focused introduction and insights into this highly relevant antenna technology.

Discusses the method to grow not only graphene over Cu but also allows the reader to know how to optimize graphene growth, using statistical design of experiments, on Cu interconnects in order to obtain good-quality and reliable interconnects Provides the basic understanding of graphene-Cu interaction mechanism Introduces a novel graphene growth process and graphene-assisted electroless copper plating

This thesis contains three breakthrough results in condensed matter physics. Firstly, broken reflection symmetry in the hidden-order phase of the heavy-fermion material URu2Si2 is observed for the first time. This represents a significant advance in the understanding of this enigmatic material which has long intrigued the condensed matter community due to its emergent long range order exhibited at low temperatures (the so-called "hidden order"). Secondly and thirdly, a novel collective mode (the chiral spin wave) and a novel composite particle (the chiral exciton) are discovered in the three dimensional topological insulator Bi2Se3. This opens up new avenues of possibility for the use of topological insulators in photonic, optoelectronic, and spintronic devices. These discoveries are facilitated by using low-temperature polarized Raman spectroscopy as a tool for identifying optically excited collective modes in strongly correlated electron systems and three-dimensional topological insulators.

A. Sommerfeld's "Mathematische Theorie der Diffraction" marks a milestone in optical theory, full of insights that are still relevant today. In a stunning tour de force, Sommerfeld derives the first mathematically rigorous solution of an optical diffraction problem. Indeed, his diffraction analysis is a surprisingly rich and complex mix of pure and applied mathematics, and his often-cited diffraction solution is presented only as an application of a much more general set of mathematical results. This complete translation, reflecting substantial scholarship, is the first publication in English of Sommerfeld's original work. The extensive notes by the translators are rich in historical background and provide many technical details for the reader.

Dynamic light scattering is a new method for investigating macromolecular systems. The importance of the technique lies in its non-invasive character. It can be employed on extremely small fluid volumes, the instrumentation is relatively inexpensive and allows the rapid determination of diffusion coefficients as well as providing information on relaxation time distributions for the macromolecular components of complex systems. This volume is directed in part to the philosophy and current practice in dynamic light scattering. Single photon correlation techniques are introduced; a discussion of noise on photon correlation functions is given and data analysis in dynamic light scattering to polymer structure analysis is presented; and a comprehensive introduction to diffusing wave spectroscopy is given. Theoretical developments relating dynamic light scattering to the viscoelasticity of polymers in solution and in the bulk are described. A secondary aim of the work is to illustrate the widely varying fields in which the technique finds application. Chapters address multicomponent mixtures, polyelectrolytes, dense polymer systems, gels, rigid rods, micellar systems and the application of dynamic light scattering to biological systems.

This work studies the relaxation dynamics of molecules in both the gas and liquid phases after strong field ionization, using transient absorption in the soft X-rays. In particular, the thesis presents the first realization of time-resolved X-ray absorption spectroscopy in the spectral water window with a laser-based HHG source. These remarkable experiments were not only performed for isolated molecules, but also in liquids, for which the spectral coverage of the K-edges of C, N, and O are of primary importance for investigating biological molecules. The technique relies on the generation of high-order harmonics to further probe the electronic structure of molecules. Using the atomic selectivity of high energies and the temporal coherence of laser technology, we demonstrate the observation of the first stages of chemical transformation of matter in the gas and liquid phases.

This book presents a new system of solar cells. Colloidal nanocrystals possess many physical and chemical properties which can be manipulated by advanced control over structural features like the particle size. One application field is photovoltaics where colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals are explored as components of photo-active layers which can be produced from liquid media, often in combination with conductive polymers. The further development of this interdisciplinary field of research requires a deep understanding of the physics and chemistry of colloidal nanocrystals, conducting polymers and photovoltaic devices. This book aims at bridging gaps between the involved scientific disciplines and presents important fundamentals and the current state of research of relevant materials and different types of nanoparticle-based solar cells. The book will be of interest to researchers and PhD students. Moreover, it may also serve to accompany specialized lectures in related areas.