As data transfer rates increase within the magnetic recording industry, improvements in device performance and reliability crucially depend on the thorough understanding of nonlinear magnetization dynamics at a sub-nanoscale level.
This book offers a modern, stimulating approach to the subject of nonlinear magnetization dynamics by discussing important aspects such as the Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert (LLG) equation, analytical solutions, and the connection between the general topological and structural aspects of dynamics.
An advanced reference for the study and understanding of nonlinear magnetization dynamics, it addresses situations such as the understanding of spin dynamics in short time scales and device performance and reliability in magnetic recording. Topics covered include nonlinear magnetization dynamics and the Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert equation, nonlinear dynamical systems, spin waves, ferromagnetic resonance and pulsed magnetization switching.
The book explains how to derive exact analytical solutions for the complete nonlinear problem and emphasises the connection between the general topological and structural aspects of nonlinear magnetization dynamics and the discretization schemes better suited to its numerical study. It is an exceptional research tool providing an advanced understanding of the study of magnetization dynamics in situations of fundamental and technological interest.

Readers will use this knowledge to develop the required techniques for design, installation and maintenance of their own fiber optic systems.
* Ideal for those with some background in communications but without previous knowledge of fiber optics
* Provides a comprehensive treatment of the fundamentals of fiber optic systems and their individual components
* Places emphasis on practical techniques of component installation and system design

New possibilities have recently emerged for producing optical beams with complex and intricate structures, and for the non-contact optical manipulation of matter. This book fully describes the electromagnetic theory, optical properties, methods and applications associated with this new technology. Detailed discussions are given of unique beam characteristics, such as optical vortices and other wavefront structures, the associated phase properties and photonic aspects, along with applications ranging from cold atom manipulation to optically driven micromachines.
Features include:
* Comprehensive and authoritative treatments of the latest research in this area of nanophotonics, written by the leading researchers
* Accounts of numerous microfluidics, nanofabrication, quantum informatics and optical manipulation applications
* Coverage that fully spans the subject area, from fundamental theory and simulations to experimental methods and results
Graduate students and established researchers in academia, national laboratories and industry will find this book an invaluable guide to the latest technologies in this rapidly developing field.
*Comprehensive and definitive source of the latest research in nanotechnology written by the leading people in the field
*From theory to applications - all is presented in detail
*Editor is Chair of the SPIE Nanotechnology Technical Group and is leading the way in generation and manipulation of complex beams

Thoroughly revised and expanded to reflect the substantial changes in the field since its publication in 1978Strong emphasis on how to effectively use software design packages, indispensable to today s lens designerMany new lens design problems and examples - ranging from simple lenses to complex zoom lenses and mirror systems - give insight for both the newcomer and specialist in the field

Rudolf Kingslake is regarded as the American father of lens design; his book, not revised since its publication in 1978, is viewed as a classic in the field. Naturally, the area has developed considerably since the book was published, the most obvious changes being the availability of powerful lens design software packages, theoretical advances, and new surface fabrication technologies.

This book provides the skills and knowledge to move into the exciting world of contemporary lens design and develop practical lenses needed for the great variety of 21st-century applications. Continuing to focus on fundamental methods and procedures of lens design, this revision by R. Barry Johnson of a classic modernizes symbology and nomenclature, improves conceptual clarity, broadens the study of aberrations, enhances discussion of multi-mirror systems, adds tilted and decentered systems with eccentric pupils, explores use of aberrations in the optimization process, enlarges field flattener concepts, expands discussion of image analysis, includes many new exemplary examples to illustrate concepts, and much more.

Optical engineers working in lens design will find this book an invaluable guide to lens design in traditional and emerging areas of application; it is also suited to advanced undergraduate or graduate course in lens design principles and as a self-learning tutorial and reference for the practitioner.

Rudolf Kingslake (1903-2003) was a founding faculty member of the Institute of Optics at The University of Rochester (1929) and remained teaching until 1983. Concurrently, in 1937 he became head of the lens design department at Eastman Kodak until his retirement in 1969. Dr. Kingslake published numerous papers, books, and was awarded many patents. He was a Fellow of SPIE and OSA, and an OSA President (1947-48). He was awarded the Progress Medal from SMPTE (1978), the Frederic Ives Medal (1973), and the Gold Medal of SPIE (1980).

R. Barry Johnson has been involved for over 40 years in lens design, optical systems design, and electro-optical systems engineering. He has been a faculty member at three academic institutions engaged in optics education and research, co-founder of the Center for Applied Optics at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, employed by a number of companies, and provided consulting services. Dr. Johnson is an SPIE Fellow and Life Member, OSA Fellow, and an SPIE President (1987). He published numerous papers and has been awarded many patents. Dr. Johnson was founder and Chairman of the SPIE Lens Design Working Group (1988-2002), is an active Program Committee member of the International Optical Design Conference, and perennial co-chair of the annual SPIE Current Developments in Lens Design and Optical Engineering Conference.
Thoroughly revised and expanded to reflect the substantial changes in the field since its publication in 1978Strong emphasis on how to effectively use software design packages, indispensable to today s lens designerMany new lens design problems and examples - ranging from simple lenses to complex zoom lenses and mirror systems - give insight for both the newcomer and specialist in the field"

The first book on optical OFDM by the leading pioneers in the fieldThe only book to cover error correction codes for optical OFDMGives applications of OFDM to free-space communications, optical access networks, and metro and log haul transports show optical OFDM can be implementedContains introductions to signal processing for optical engineers and optical communication fundamentals for wireless engineers

This book gives a coherent and comprehensive introduction to the fundamentals of OFDM signal processing, with a distinctive focus on its broad range of applications. It evaluates the architecture, design and performance of a number of OFDM variations, discusses coded OFDM, and gives a detailed study of error correction codes for access networks, 100 Gb/s Ethernet and future optical networks.

The emerging applications of optical OFDM, including single-mode fiber transmission, multimode fiber transmission, free space optical systems, and optical access networks are examined, with particular attention paid to passive optical networks, radio-over-fiber, WiMAX and UWB communications.

Written by two of the leading contributors to the field, this book will be a unique reference for optical communications engineers and scientists. Students, technical managers and telecom executives seeking to understand this new technology for future-generation optical networks will find the book invaluable.

William Shieh is an associate professor and reader in the electrical and electronic engineering department, The University of Melbourne, Australia. He received his M.S. degree in electrical engineering and Ph.D. degree in physics both from University of Southern California.

Ivan Djordjevic is an Assistant Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Arizona, Tucson, where he directs the Optical Communications Systems Laboratory (OCSL). His current research interests include optical networks, error control coding, constrained coding, coded modulation, turbo equalization, OFDM applications, and quantum error correction.

"This wonderful book is the first one to address the rapidly emerging optical OFDM field. Written by two leading researchers in the field, the book is structured to comprehensively cover any optical OFDM aspect one could possibly think of, from the most fundamental to the most specialized. The book adopts a coherent line of presentation, while striking a thoughtful balance between the various topics, gradually developing the optical-physics and communication-theoretic concepts required for deep comprehension of the topic, eventually treating the multiple optical OFDM methods, variations and applications. In my view this book will remain relevant for many years to come, and will be increasingly accessed by graduate students, accomplished researchers as well as telecommunication engineers and managers keen to attain a perspective on the emerging role of OFDM in the evolution of photonic networks." -- "Prof.Moshe Nazarathy, EE Dept., Technion, Israel Institute of Technology"
* The first book on optical OFDM by the leading pioneers in the field
* The only book to cover error correction codes for optical OFDM
* Applications of OFDM to free-space communications, optical access networks, and metro and log haul transports show optical OFDM can be implemented
* An introduction to signal processing for optical communications
* An introduction to optical communication fundamentals for the wireless engineer"

This book is a comprehensive contributed volume that aims to describe and explain the design, fabrication, operating characteristics, and specific applications of the most popular and useful types of specialty optical fibers. These "specialty fibers" include any kind of optical fiber that has been architecturally manipulated to diverge from a conventional structure. For instance, metal-coated fibers can be utilized for bandwidth improvement, and hollow core fibers offer more controllable dispersion for sensitive medical procedures.
Applications for these specialty fibers abound in the biomedical, sensors, and industrial fields, as well as in more traditional communications capacities. This book will act as a specialty fiber "guided tour," hosted by the top names in the discipline. The globally renowned editors, Drs. Mendez and Morse, have extensive experience in research, academia, and industry.
*Completely covers biomedical and industrial sensor technology with emphasis on real world applications
*Comparative studies of pros and cons of all fiber types with relation to test and measurement, mechanical properties and strength, and reliability
*Easy to access essential facts and details at the begining of each chapter

Optical interferometry is used in communications, medical imaging, astonomy, and structural measurement. With the use of an interferometer engineers and scientists are able to complete surface inspections of micromachined surfaces and semiconductors. Medical technicians are able to give more consise diagnoses with the employ of interferometers in microscopy, spectroscopy, and coherent tomography.
Originating from a one-day course, this material was expanded to serve as an introduction to the topic for engineers and scientists that have little optical knowledge but a need for more in their daily work lives. The need for interferometry knowledge has crossed the boundaries of engineering fields and Dr. Hariharan has written a book that answers the questions that new practitioners to interferometry have and haven't even thought of yet. This new edition includes complete updates of all material with an emphasis on applications. It also has new chapters on white-light microsopy and interference with single photons.
*Outstanding introduction to the world of optical interferometry with summaries at the begining and end of each chapter, several appendices with essential information, and worked numerical problems
*Practical details enrich understanding for readers new to this material
*New chapters on white-light microscopy for medical imaging and interference with single photons(quantum optics)

Ultrashort Laser Pulse Phenomena serves as an introduction to the phenomena of ultrashort laser pulses and describes how this technology can be applied in areas such as spectroscopy, medical imaging, electromagnetism, optics, and quantum physics. Combining the principles with experimental techniques, the book serves as a guide to designing and constructing femtosecond systems.
The second edition has updated and expanded its content, and includes more examples of ultrashort sources and a more comprehensive fundamentals chapter. Diagnostic techniques and applications involving sensors, mode-locked lasers, and imaging have been fully revised to include current technologies.
Written in a tutorial style, this book is suitable for senior undergraduate and graduate students as well as engineers and scientists working in the areas of optics, spectroscopy, optical imaging, photochemistry, and ultrafast science and engineering.
*Provides an easy to follow guide through "faster than electronics" probing and detection methods
*THE manual on designing and constructing femtosecond systems and experiments
*Discusses essential technology for applications in micro-machining, femtochemistry, and medical imaging

Optical technology is essential to communications and medical technology. K.K. Sharma has written a comprehensive volume on optics. Beginning with introductory ideas and equations, Sharma takes the reader through the world of optics detailing problems encountered, advanced subjects, and actual applications. Elegantly written, this book rigorously examines optics with over 300 illustrations and several problems in each chapter. The book begins with light propagation in anisotropic media considered much later in most books. Sharma has started with this because it provides a more general and beautiful example of light propagation.
Nearly one third of the book deals with applications of optics. This simple idea of merging the sometimes overwhelming and dry subject of optics with real world applications will create better future engineers. It will make 'optics' jump off the page for readers and they will see it take shape in the world around them. In presenting optics practically, as well as theoretically, readers will come away not only with a complete knowledge base but a context in which to place it.
FOR INSTRUCTORS: To obtain access to the solutions manual for this title simply register on our textbook website (textbooks.elsevier.com)and request access to the Electronics and Electrical Engineering subject area. Once approved (usually within one business day) you will be able to access all of the instructor-only materials through the "Instructor Manual" link on this book's academic web page at textbooks.elsevier.com.
*Strong emphasis on applications to demonstrate the relevance of the theory
*Includes chapter on problem solving of ray deviations, focusing errors, anddistortion
*Problems are included at the end of each chapter for thorough understanding of this dense subject matter

This book is a MUST for everyone in and around the optics community!
"Fiber Optic Essentials" provides professionals and students new to the field of fiber optics with a high-level knowledge of principles, theories and applications. This primer can also be used as a succinct overview of optics for those with some engineering and physics background. Individuals involved with optics in non-traditional capacities such as in marketing and legal departments will find this volume introduces basic concepts completely in an easy to read format.
Casimer and Carolyn DeCusatis have provided a concise resource with compact chapters and minimal equations conveying this complex topic in a straightforward and clear-cut style. Included in this book are chapters on fibers, cables, connectors, transmitters, modulators, noise, and optical link design. Concluding this reference are three indispensable appendices covering extensive definitions, acronyms (including initials and commonly used slang), measurement conversions and physical constants. This author team has produced a book that has truly shed light on this difficult subject.
* Comprehensively covers basic fiber optic 'facts'
* Explains how optics relate to everyday life
* Details fiber optic communication standards
* Chapter included on medical applications
* Timeline traces the history of optics with major milestones

Optoelectronics has become an important part of our lives. Wherever light is used to transmit information, tiny semiconductor devices are needed to transfer electrical current into optical signals and vice versa. Examples include light emitting diodes in radios and other appliances, photodetectors in elevator doors and digital cameras, and laser diodes that transmit phone calls through glass fibers. Such optoelectronic devices take advantage of sophisticated interactions between electrons and light. Nanometer scale semiconductor structures are often at the heart of modern optoelectronic devices. Their shrinking size and increasing complexity make computer simulation an important tool to design better devices that meet ever rising perfomance requirements. The current need to apply advanced design software in optoelectronics follows the trend observed in the 1980's with simulation software for silicon devices. Today, software for technology computer-aided design (TCAD) and electronic design automation (EDA) represents a fundamental part of the silicon industry. In optoelectronics, advanced commercial device software has emerged recently and it is expected to play an increasingly important role in the near future. This book will enable students, device engineers, and researchers to more effectively use advanced design software in optoelectronics.
* Provides fundamental knowledge in semiconductor physics and in electromagnetics, while helping to understand and use advanced device simulation software
* Demonstrates the combination of measurements and simulations in order to obtain realistic results and provides data on all required material parameters
* Gives deep insight into the physics of state-of-the-art devices and helps to design and analyze of modern optoelectronic devices

This book provides a unified treatment of the characteristics of telescopes of all types, both those whose performance is set by geometrical aberrations and the effect of the atmosphere, and those diffraction-limited telescopes designed for observations from above the atmosphere. The emphasis throughout is on basic principles, such as Fermat's principle, and their application to optical systems specifically designed to image distant celestial sources.
The book also contains thorough discussions of the principles underlying all spectroscopic instrumentation, with special emphasis on grating instruments used with telescopes. An introduction to adaptive optics provides the needed background for further inquiry into this rapidly developing area.

* Geometrical aberration theory based on Fermat's principle
* Diffraction theory and transfer function approach to near-perfect telescopes
* Thorough discussion of 2-mirror telescopes, including misalignments
* Basic principles of spectrometry; grating and echelle instruments
* Schmidt and other catadioptric telescopes
* Principles of adaptive optics
* Over 220 figures and nearly 90 summary tables

Now in its third edition, this classic text covers many aspects of infrared and Raman spectroscopy that are critical to the chemist doing structural or compositional analysis. This work includes practical and theoretical approaches to spectral interpretation as well as a discussion of experimental techniques. Emphasis is given to group frequencies, which are studied in detailed discussions, extensive tables, and over 600 carefully chosen and interpreted spectral examples. Also featured is a unique treatment of group frequencies that stresses their mechanical origin. This qualitative approach to vibrational analysis helps to simplify spectral interpretation.
Additional topics include basic instrumental components and sampling techniques, quantitative analysis, Raman polarization data, infrared gas contours, and polarized IR studies, among others.
Key Features
* Focuses on group frequency correlations and how to use them in spectral interpretation
* Revised and updated by a pioneer in the field, Norman Colthup, who for thirty years has served as an expert lecturer for the Fisk Infrared Institute
* Explores new group frequency studies in aromatics, alkanes and olefins, among others
* Includes completely updated section on instrumentation

The lens is generally the most expensive and least understood part of any camera. In this book, Rudolf Kingslake traces the historical development of the various types of lenses from Daguerre's invention of photography in 1839 through lenses commonly used today.
From an early lens still being manufactured for use in low-cost cameras to designs made possible through such innovations as lens coating, rare-earth glasses, and computer aided lens design and testing, the author details each major advance in design and fabrication. The book explains how and why each new lens type was developed, and why most of them have since been abandoned. This authoritative history of lens technology also includes brief biographies of several outstanding lens designers and manufacturers of the past.

Since the 4e appeared, a fast evolution of the field has occurred. The 5e of this classic work provides an up-to-date account of the nonlinear phenomena occurring inside optical fibers, the basis of all our telecommunications infastructure as well as being used in the medical field.

Reflecting the big developments in research, this new edition includes major new content: slow light effects, which offers a reduction in noise and power consumption and more ordered network traffic-stimulated Brillouin scattering; vectorial treatment of highly nonlinear fibers; and a brand new chapter on supercontinuum generation in optical fibers.
Continues to be industry bestseller providing unique source of comprehensive coverage on the subject of nonlinear fiber optics Updated coverage of intrapulse Raman scattering, four-wave mixing, and Harmonic Generation Includes a new chapter excusively devotedto supercontinuum generation in optical fibers
"

This book provides an in-depth exposition of spin-stand microscopy of hard disk data which is a new technique recently developed and extensively tested by the authors of the book. Spin-stand microscopy is the first magnetic imaging technique where imaging is performed ex-situ on a rotating disk mounted on a spin-stand. This technique is one of the fastest scanning-based microscopy techniques. It is non-invasive and has nano-scale resolution. For these reasons, it provides unique capabilities for the visualization of magnetization patterns recorded on hard disks. This book is self-contained and it covers in sufficient details the basic facts of magnetic data storage technology, the principles and theory of spin-stand microscopy, its experimental implementations, as well as its applications in hard disk diagnostics, imaging of overwritten patterns, computer forensics of hard disk files, and data-dependent magnetic thermal relaxations of recorded magnetization patterns. This book will be a valuable reference for the magnetic data storage community, magnetic microscopy professionals as well as engineers and scientists involved in computer data forensics, commercial data recovery, and the design of archival data storage systems.
Key features:
- conceptual novelty of the technique and the demonstration of its wide scope of applications
- detailed exposition of the principles of spin-stand magnetic microscopy
- comprehensive discussions of novel image reconstruction techniques
- demonstration of high resolution spin-stand images of hard disk data
- presentation of sector-by-sector ex-situ forensics of hard disk files
- extensive studies of data-dependent thermal relaxations of magnetization patterns recorded on hard disks
Key features:
- conceptual novelty of the technique and the demonstration of its wide scope of applications
- detailed exposition of the principles of spin-stand magnetic microscopy
- comprehensive discussions of novel image reconstruction techniques
- demonstration of high resolution spin-stand images of hard disk data
- presentation of sector-by-sector ex-situ forensics of hard disk files
- extensive studies of data-dependent thermal relaxations of magnetization patterns recorded on hard disks

This book covers a wide range of measurement techniques broadly referred to as Optical Metrology, with emphasis on their applications to nondestructive testing. If we look separately at each of the two terms making the generic name Optical Metrology, we find a link to two of the most distinctive aspects of humans: a particularly well developed sense of vision and a desire to classify things using numbers and rules.
Of all our five senses, vision is certainly the most developed and the closest to the rational part of our brain. It can be argued that our memory is strongly dependent on images and the brain is particularly good at processing the stimuli received from these images to extract information. Measuring, sizing and counting are, on the other hand, among the fundamental building blocks of modern society. The use of abstract quantities like size, value or intensity has simplified the description of complex enquiry and is the basis of modern science and economy. Hence, it would seem natural that the combination of two such basic aspects should result in the birth of a new field of science. However, it is known that his has not been the case. Optical Metrology remains classified as a group of special techniques used mainly in niche applications. Optical Metrology may be rightly described as an ensemble of techniques in which fields such as physics, electrical and mechanical engineering, and computer science merge and blend in new ways.
This book is intended as a tribute to the career of Professor Leopold Pflug. By looking back at his lifelong commitment to the application of optical metrology to the service of engineering sciences, more particularly devoted to the observation of the real behavior of structural components, one can retrace the major revolutions that have taken place in this domain. Starting his activity in 1971 as the head of the Laboratory for Stress Analysis at the EPFL in Switzerland, he first employed photoelasticity as a tool to improve the understanding of the real behavior of complex structures. However he soon recognized the necessity of working with the real materials used to build these structures instead of on replicas made of optically birefringent materials. He then focussed on the use of moire techniques which sparked his fascination with laser-based holography and speckle-based methods. The advent of information technology led him to open up to the use of ESPI and digital image processing techniques. Finally, in the mid 1990s he became interested in the use of optical fibers as a tool for sensing deformations inside structures, not only on their surfaces as in the case of whole-field methods. It is interesting to note the parallel in the evolution of optical metrology vis a vis developments in other fields: the development of lasers led to holographic interferometry, the availability of frame-grabbers led to ESPI and the emergence of fiber optic communications opened the way to the development of fiber optic sensors. This puts in sharp perspective the strong dependence of optical metrology on the latest technology for its development. Also interesting to note is that all fields in optical metrology touched upon by Professor Pflug are still of great relevance, as shown by the contributions in this volume.
This book is, however, not intended as a commemoration, rather as an occasion to review the trends and undercurrents that are driving the field of optical metrology, with emphasis on nondestructive testing. All the authors were asked to summarize the recent achievements in their respective fields and to speculate about the future. As a result it has become apparent that it is difficult although not impossible to spot general trends in these disparate fields. Optical metrology has considerably benefited from some of the most important innovations of the recent past: lasers, computers and fiber optics communication, all of which found their direct inspiration from the developments in the world of electronics.
In recent years we have also witnessed a shift of power from states to corporations. This has created the need to produce quick results useful to industry. Optical nondestructive testing has certainly adapted to this evolution, and several contributions in this book show that the researchers in this field understand the importance of developing technology that can be used by the industry to solve specific problems. We should also not forget that optical nondestructive testing is essentially a "service technology" and should as such not only focus on serving its clients in the best possible way, but also should continually emphasize, extend and enhance its services to new users still unaware of its potential. Hopefully this book will help in spreading awareness of the potentials of optical metrology and in focusing on the challenges of the future.

Nonlinear optics is the study of the interaction of intense laser light with matter. The third edition of this textbook has been rewritten to conform to the standard SI system of units and includes comprehensively updated material on the latest developments in the field.
The book introduces the entire field of optical physics and specifically the area of nonlinear optics. It focuses on the fundamental issues including the electromagnetic origin of optical phenomena, the quantum mechanical description of the optical properties of matter, the role of spatial symmetries in determining the optical response, causality and Kramers Kronig relations, and ultrafast and high intensity optical effects. The book also covers applied aspects of nonlinear optics such as harmonic generation, the operation of parametric oscillators, optical switching, photonics, materials issues in nonlinear optics, and processes such as laser damage that can restrict the use of nonlinear optics.
This edition contains new material on:
- Applications of harmonic generation including applications within the fields of microscopy and biophotonics
- Electromagnetically induced transparency
- Spectroscopy based on coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS)

Nonlinear Optics appeals to a wide audience of physics, optics, and electrical engineering students, as well as to working researchers and engineers. Those in related fields, such as materials science and chemistry, will also find this book of particular interest.
* Presents an introduction to the entire field of optical physics from the perspective of nonlinear optics.
* Combines first rate pedagogy with a treatment of fundamental aspects ofnonlinear optics
* Covers all the latest topics and technology in this ever-evolving industry
* Strong emphasis on the fundamentals

"Fundamentals of Optical Waveguides" is an essential resource for any researcher, professional or student involved in optics and communications engineering. Any reader interested in designing or actively working with optical devices must have a firm grasp of the principles of lightwave propagation. Katsunari Okamoto has presented this difficult technology clearly and concisely with several illustrations and equations. Optical theory encompassed in this reference includes coupled mode theory, nonlinear optical effects, finite element method, beam propagation method, staircase concatenation method, along with several central theorems and formulas.
Since the publication of the well-received first edition of this book, planar lightwave circuits and photonic crystal fibers have fully matured. With this second edition the advances of these fibers along with other improvements on existing optical technologies are completely detailed. This comprehensive volume enables readers to fully analyze, design and simulate optical atmospheres.
* Exceptional new chapter on Arrayed-Waveguide Grating (AWG)
* In depth discussion of Photonic Crystal Fibers (PCFs)
* Thorough explanation of Multimode Interference Devices (MMI)
* Full coverage of polarization Mode Dispersion (PMD)

When the first edition of "Optical Interferometry" was published, interferometry was regarded as a rather esoteric method of making measurements, largely confined to the laboratory. Today, however, besides its use in several fields of research, it has applications in fields as diverse as measurement of length and velocity, sensors for rotation, acceleration, vibration and electrical and magnetic fields, as well as in microscopy and nanotechnology.

Most topics are discussed first at a level accessible to anyone with a basic knowledge of physical optics, then a more detailed treatment of the topic is undertaken, and finally each topic is supplemented by a reference list of more than 1000 selected original publications in total.
* Historical development of interferometry
* The laser as a light source
* Two-beam interference
* Techniques for frequency stabilization
* Coherence
* Electronic phase measurements
* Multiple-beam interference
* Quantum effects in optical interference
* Extensive coverage of the applications of interferometry, such as measurements of length, optical testing, interference microscopy, interference spectroscopy, Fourier-transform spectroscopy, interferometric sensors, nonlinear interferometers, stellar interferometry, and studies of space-time and gravitation.

Optical fiber telecommunications depend upon light traveling great distances through optical fibers. As light travels it tends to disperse and this results in some degree of signal loss. Raman amplification is a technique that is effective in any fiber to amplify the signal light as it travels through transmission fibers, compensating for inevitable signal loss.
* First comprehensive guide to Raman amplification, a technique whose use has exploded since 1997 in order to upgrade fiber capacity;
* Accessible to professionals just entering the field of optical fiber telecommunications;
* Detailed enough for experts to use as a reference.

The current research into solitons and their use in fiber optic communications is very important to the future of communications. Since the advent of computer networking and high speed data transmission technology people have been striving to develop faster and more reliable communications media. Optical pulses tend to broaden over relatively short distances due to dispersion, but solitons on the other hand are not as susceptible to the effects of dispersion, and although they are subject to losses due to attenuation they can be amplified without being received and re-transmitted.
This book is the first to provide a thorough overview of optical solitons. The main purpose of this book is to present the rapidly developing field of Spatial Optical Solitons starting from the basic concepts of light self-focusing and self-trapping. It will introduce the fundamental concepts of the theory of nonlinear waves and solitons in non-integrated but physically realistic models of nonlinear optics including their stability and dynamics. Also, it will summarize a number of important experimental verification of the basic theoretical predictions and concepts covering the observation of self-focusing in the earlier days of nonlinear optics and the most recent experimental results on spatial solitons, vortex solitons, and soliton interaction & spiraling.
* Introduces the fundamental concepts of the theory of nonlinear waves and solitons through realistic models
* Material is based on authors' years of experience actively working in and researching the field
* Summarizes the most important experimental verification of the basic theories, predictions and concepts of this ever evolving field from the earliest studies to the most recent

This book presents, in a unified form, the underlying physical and structural processes that determine the optical behavior of materials. It does this by combining elements from physics, optics, and materials science in a seamless manner, and introducing quantum mechanics when needed. The book groups the characteristics of optical materials into classes with similar behavior. In treating each type of material, the text pays particular attention to atomic composition and chemical makeup, electronic states and band structure, and physical microstructure so that the reader will gain insight into the kinds of materials engineering and processing conditions that are required to produce a material exhibiting a desired optical property. The physical principles are presented on many levels, including a physical explanation, followed by formal mathematical support and examples and methods of measurement. The reader may overlook the equations with no loss of comprehension, or may use the text to find appropriate equations for calculations of optical properties.

* Presents the optical properties of metals, insulators, semiconductors, laser materials, and non-linear materials
* Physical processes are discussed and quantified using precise mathematical treatment, followed by examples and a discussion of measurement methods
* Authors combine many years of expertise in condensed matter physics, classical and quantum optics, and materials science
* The text is written on many levels and will benefit the novice as well as the expert
* Explains the concept of color in materials
* Explains the non-linear optical behavior of materials in a unified form
* Appendices present rigorous derivations

Optical fibers have revolutionized telecommunication, becoming the most widely used and the most efficient device for relaying information over long distances. While the market for optical fiber continues to grow, the next stage in the field of communication is the mass delivery of integrated services, such as home banking, shopping, internet services, and entertainment using video on demand. The economies and performance potential will determine the type of technology likely to succeed in the provision of these services. But it is already clear that optical fibers will play a crucial role in communication systems of the future. The opportunities provided by fiber Bragg gratings are of enormous importance for the further development of the fiber optic communication lines as cost-effective and efficient devices of the future.
Fiber Bragg Gratings is the result of a growing demand for focused and reliable information on the subject. It brings together the fundamentals of fiber gratings, their specific characterizations, and numerous applications. In addition to researchers, scientists, and graduate students, it will be of interest to industrial practitioners in the field of fabrication of fiber optic materials and devices. It begins with the principles of fiber Bragg grating, from photosensitization of optical fibers, Bragg grating fabrication, theory, properties of grating, specific application, and concludes with measurement techniques.

* Addresses one of the most promising fields for future development in applied optics
* First book ever on the subject of fiber Bragg gratings
* Written by a pioneer in the field of optical communications
* Covers topics important to both research and industry
* Discusses theory, practical applications, and measurement

Provides an overview of Fiber Bragg Gratings (FBGs), from fundamentals to applicationsEvaluates the advantages and disadvantages of particular applications, methods and techniquesContains new chapters on sensing, femtosecond laser writing of FBGs and poling of glass and optical fibersIncludes a special version of the photonic simulator PicWave(tm), allowing the reader to make live simulations of many of the example devices presented in the book.

This fully revised, updated and expanded second edition covers the substantial advances in the manufacture and use of FBGs in the years since the publication of the pioneering first edition. It presents a comprehensive treatise on FBGs and addresses issues such as the merits of one solution over another; why particular fabrication methods are preferred; and what advantages a user may gain from certain techniques.

Beginning with the principles of FBGs, the book progresses to discuss photosensitization of optical fibers, Bragg grating fabrication and theory, properties of gratings, specific applications, sensing technology, glass poling, advances in femtosecond laser writing of Bragg gratings and FBG measurement techniques. In addition to material on telecommunications usage of FBGs, application areas such as fiber lasers and sensors are addressed in greater detail.

This special version of Picwave is limited to modelling only the passive fibre devices covered in this book. However the full PicWave package is capable of modelling other non-linear and active devices such as laser diodes and SOAs as discussed in Chapter 8. More information about PicWave can be found at www.photond.com/products/picwave.htm.

In addition to researchers, scientists, and graduate students, this book will be of interest to industrial practitioners in the field of fabrication of fiber optic materials and devices.

Raman Kashyap, Canada Research Chair holder on Future Photonics Systems, and Professor at Ecole Polytechnique, University of Montreal since 2003, has researched optical fibers and devices for over 30 years. He pioneered the fabrication of FBGs and applications in telecommunications and photonics.
Provides an overview of Fiber Bragg Gratings (FBGs), from fundamentals to applicationsEvaluates the advantages and disadvantages of particular applications, methods and techniquesContains new chapters on sensing, femtosecond laser writing of FBGs and poling of glass and optical fibersIncludes a special version of the photonic simulator PicWave(tm), allowing the reader to make live simulations of many of the example devices presented in the book."