Guiding graduate students and researchers through the complex world of laser physics and nonlinear optics, this book provides an in-depth exploration of the dynamics of lasers and other relevant optical systems, under the umbrella of a unitary spatio-temporal vision. Adopting a balanced approach, the book covers traditional as well as special topics in laser physics, quantum electronics and nonlinear optics, treating them from the viewpoint of nonlinear dynamical systems. These include las...

Experiments and theory have rapidly progressed on nonlinear optical extreme waves, showing that guided wave nonlinear optics and fiber lasers provide a relatively simple, accessible and controllable test bed for the observations and accurate statistical studies of extreme wave phenomena that obey the same universal rules, which apply to a large ensemble of different physical systems. With introductory material to make the subject area accessible to non-specialists such as graduate and PhD ...

Random Light Beams: Theory and Applications contemplates the potential in harnessing random light. This book discusses light matter interactions, and concentrates on the various phenomena associated with beam-like fields. It explores natural and man-made light fields and gives an overview of recently introduced families of random light beams. It outlines mathematical tools for analysis, suggests schemes for realization, and discusses possible applications.The book ...

This book features different approaches to non-biochemical pathways for solar fuel production. This one-of-a-kind book addresses photovoltaics, photocatalytic water splitting for clean hydrogen production and CO2 conversion to hydrocarbon fuel through in-depth comprehensive contributions from a select blend of established and experienced authors from across the world. The commercial application of solar based systems, with particular emphasis on non-PV based devices have been discussed. Th...

Despite more than half a century of theoretical work, the Casimir effect is still not as fully understood as some suppose. In this treatise, the author uncovers new puzzles and paradoxes concerning this mysterious phenomenon. In particular, he clearly demonstrates that the most sophisticated theories fail when confronted with dielectrics in which the refractive index is not uniform but gradually changes.

From the speed of light to moving mountains -- and everything in between -- Zoom explores how the universe and its objects move.If you sit as still as you can in a quiet room, you might be able to convince yourself that nothing is moving. But air currents are still wafting around you. Blood rushes through your veins. The atoms in your chair jiggle furiously. In fact, the planet you are sitting on is whizzing through space thirty-five times faster than the speed of s...

First published in 2006, this book has become the standard reference on nano-optics. Now in its second edition, the text has been thoroughly updated to take into account new developments and research directions. While the overall structure and pedagogical style of the book remain unchanged, all existing chapters have been expanded and a new chapter has been added. Adopting a broad perspective, the authors provide a detailed overview of the theoretical and experimental concepts that are nee...

One intriguing aspect of physics is its dynamic and rapidly evolving nature; exciting new fields can become moribund within relatively few years, only to revive and grow again in a dramatic and expolisve manner in response to new developments. This has been the case for the fields of optics and atomic physics. In the 1950s, and perhaps into the early 1960s, both fields appeared mature, fully developed, and perhaps even a bit dull as a consequence. The appearance of the laser has tumed both...

The Handbook of Ellipsometry is a critical foundation text on an increasingly critical subject. Ellipsometry, a measurement technique based on phase and amplitude changes in polarized light, is becoming popular in a widening array of applications because of increasing miniaturization of integrated circuits and breakthroughs in knowledge of biological macromolecules deriving from DNA and protein surface research. Ellipsometry does not contact or damage samples, and is an ideal measurement t...

Optical Devices in Ophthalmology and OptometryMedical technology is a fast growing field. Optical Devices in Ophthalmology and Optometry gives a comprehensive review of modern optical technologies in ophthalmology and optometry alongside their clinical deployment. It bridges the technology and clinical domains and will be suitable in both technical and clinical environments. The book introduces and develops basic physical methods (in optics, photonics, and...

Terahertz physics covers one of the least explored but richest regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. Designed for independent learning, this is the first book to open up this exciting new field to students of science and engineering. Written in a clear and consistent style, the textbook focuses on an understanding of fundamental physical principles at terahertz frequencies and their applications. Part I outlines the foundations of terahertz science, starting with the mathematical repres...

This book is the first of its kind devoted to the key role played by light and electromagnetic radiation in the universe. Readers are introduced to philosophical hypotheses such as the economy, symmetry and the universality of natural laws, and are then guided to practical consequences such as the rules of geometrical optics and even Einstein's well-known but mysterious relationship, E = mc2. Most chapters feature a pen picture of the life and character of a relevant scientific figure. The...