This book discusses ultrafast optical switching devices and systems, which operate at speeds beyond those of normal electronics. Both fundamental physics and engineering applications are treated, and the book provides a complete LOGOUT of some of the key research issues and approaches.

This book describes techniques used to predict the quality of images formed by optical systems, such as telescopes, camera lenses, and microscope objectives. It covers in detail how the ray and wave pictures of lens behavior can be combined and developed to produce a theory capable of dealing with the large angles encountered in real optical systems. Several applications are considered, including the propagation of a Gaussian beam along a skew ray, a clear and convincing demonstration that diffractive optical elements are subject to the same fundamental limitation as conventional lenses, a...

The papers in this comprehensive volume survey many recent innovations in ultrashort pulse generation, and review the state of the art in compact, modelocked laser systems, discussing both their operational principles and potential applications. The book first covers the theory of short optical pulse generation by modelocking. Then, contributors discuss modelocking techniques in different types of lasers: solid state; diode-pumped; fiber; surface emitting semiconductor lasers; external cavity semiconductor lasers; hybrid soliton pulse sources; and monolithic colliding pulse modelocked diode...

Stendhal's great novel The Red and the Black, published in 1830, is seen as one of the most distinguished monuments of literary realism. In this introductory study, Stirling Haig shows how this realism derives from the incorporation of both history and legal reportage into the novel, and how it combines autobiography with mimesis. Professor Haig locates the novel in the context of Stendhal's own experiences as a Commissariat officer in the Napoleonic army, journalist, opera-lover, salon dandy and traveller in Italy and Restoration France, and highlights the constant inter-penetration of...

This book describes the Fabry-Perot interferometer and its variants as well as its use, optimisation and applications. The author begins with an historical perspective on the development of the instrument. Because of the quantitative uses of the device, the text tends to be mostly mathematical in its treatment. However, there is also much practical detail on the use and optimization of the Fabry-Perot interferometer and discussion of its classical uses (such as in metrology) and its contemporary applications (such as in lasers). In addition the book contains a comprehensive bibliography...

The interaction between atoms and electromagnetic fields is an area of central importance to the investigation of fundamental concepts of quantum mechanics. The authors provide an introduction to the theory concerning this interaction by describing the different forms of the interaction and dealing with how these interactions lead to the formation of dressed states, in the presence of vacuum fluctuations as well as in the presence of external fields. They also cover the role of dressed atoms in quantum measurement theory and the physical interpretation of vacuum radiative effects. Treating a...

Modern optical techniques have a huge range of potential applications in signal processing and in the interconnection of digital computing systems. This book provides a detailed review of the key issues that must be addressed in the design, evaluation, and implementation of practical systems for signal processing and optical interconnection. Articles consider in detail such topics as the computer modeling of optical design limitations, the size and noise characteristics of optical modulators, and the relative merits of free-space and guided-wave optical technology in different processing...

This is a new and greatly expanded edition of what has become one of the best known introductions to the principles, techniques and applications of optical holography. Where necessary, existing sections have been updated to cover several new techniques and applications and two new chapters have been added. After presenting the theory of holographic imaging and the various types of holograms, the author covers practical aspects of holography, as well as the production of holograms for display, color holography, and computer generated holograms. He then discusses a variety of applications of...

This is a new and greatly expanded edition of what has become one of the best known introductions to the principles, techniques and applications of optical holography. Where necessary, existing sections have been updated to cover several new techniques and applications and two new chapters have been added. After presenting the theory of holographic imaging and the various types of holograms, the author covers practical aspects of holography, as well as the production of holograms for display, color holography, and computer generated holograms. He then discusses a variety of applications of...

This book describes techniques used to predict the quality of images formed by optical systems, such as telescopes, camera lenses, and microscope objectives. It covers in detail how the ray and wave pictures of lens behavior can be combined and developed to produce a theory capable of dealing with the large angles encountered in real optical systems. Several applications are considered, including the propagation of a Gaussian beam along a skew ray, a clear and convincing demonstration that diffractive optical elements are subject to the same fundamental limitation as conventional lenses, a...