In this second volume of the book series devoted to photorefractive effects we focus on the most recent developments in the field of photorefractive materials and we highlight the parameters which govern the photoinduced nonlinearity. The availability of materials having the required properties is of major importance for further development of this field, and there are many parameters which have to be considered in the figure of merit of a photorefractive material. As an example, it concerns in priority, the recording slope of the dynamic hologram and the saturation value of the index...

This is the final volume of a series devoted to photorefractive effects, photorefractive materials and their applications. Since publication of the first two volumes almost 20 years ago, new and often unexpected effects have been discovered. Theoretical models have been developed, known effects can be finally explained and novel applications have been proposed. For this volume, the editors have invited top experts to reflect on the maturity of the field, assessing progress so far, and predicting avenues of future development. In addition, a series of applications of photorefractive...

This book summarizes a five year research project, as well as subsequent results regarding high power diode laser systems and their application in materials processing. The text explores the entire chain of technology, from the semiconductor technology, through cooling mounting and assembly, beam shaping and system technology, to applications in the processing of such materials as metals and polymers. Includes theoretical models, a range of important parameters and practical tips.

This edited monograph is written by leading experts in this area and is the first book entirely devoted to Raman amplification. Three sections include extensive background on Raman physics, descriptions of sub-systems and modules utilizing Raman technology, and a review of current state-of-the-art systems.

Fundamentals of Semiconductor Lasers explains the physics and fundamental characteristics of semiconductor lasers with regard to systems applications. The detailed and comprehensive presentation is unique in that it encourages the reader to consider different semiconductor lasers from different angles. Emphasis is placed on recognizing common concepts such operating principles and structure, and solving problems based on individual situations. The treatment is enhanced by an historical account of advances in semiconductor lasers over the years, discussing both those ideas...

This book explores the role of surface effects in optical phenomena in nanoscience, from two different perspectives. When systems are reduced in volume, the ratio of surface versus volume increases. At the level of single nanostructures this translates into an enhanced role of interfacial chemistry and thermodynamics. At the level of systems of nanostructures, it translates into larger density on interfaces, which in turn leads to such intriguing collective effects as plasmonics or multiple reflection and refraction phenomena. The book highlights both perspectives presenting sample...

Optical Micro-Resonators are an exciting new field of research that has gained prominence in the past few years due to the emergence of new fabrication technologies. This book is the first detailed text on the theory, fabrication, and applications of optical micro-resonators, and will be found useful by both graduate students and researchers in the field.

The mid-infrared (2-10m) spectral region is of enormous scientific and technological interest because it contains the strongest fingerprint absorption bands of a number of pollutant and toxic gases which require monitoring in a variety of different situations (e.g., oil-rigs, coal mines, landfill sites and car exhausts) and in concentrations, ranging from parts per billion to almost 100%. Organic liquids, narcotics and many biological and bio-medical analytes also have fingerprint absorptions in this spectral range. In addition, the atmospheric transmission window between 3 m and 5 m...

Designed to give a concise but complete overview of the field, this book features contributions written by leading experts in the various areas. Topics include design, materials, film growth, deposition including large area, characterization and monitoring, and mechanical stress.

Photonic Crystals details recent progress in the study of photonic crystals, ranging from fundamental aspects to up-to-date applications, in one unified treatment. It covers most of the worldwide frontier fields in photonic crystals, including up-to-date fabrication techniques, recent and future technological applications, and our basic understanding of the various optical properties of photonic crystals. Brand-new theoretical and experimental data are also presented. The book is intended for graduate course students and specialists actively working in this field, but it...