This book describes both theoretical and experimental aspects of optical soliton generation and of soliton properties. The basic theory of soliton generation in fiber is described, numerical studies of nonlinear propagation effects in fibers are considered, as well as soliton-soliton interactions, the effects of high order dispersion and birefringence on soliton propagation as well as limiting effects of femtosecond soliton generation. Technical aspects are concerned with long distance transmission systems and the implementation of high bit rate semiconductor laser based soliton systems in...

This book provides a throrough introduction to the interaction of atoms and atomic ions with optical and magnetic fields. The author places particular emphasis on the wealth of important multilevel effects, where atomic vapors exhibit anisotropic behavior. As well as covering the classic two-level atom approach to light-atom interactions, Suter describes in detail a general multilevel formalism, which he uses to discuss optical pumping, two-dimensional spectroscopy and nonlinear optical dynamics. The final chapter deals with the mechanical effects of light, including the cooling and trapping...

This book examines the underlying science and design of laser materials. It emphasizes the principles of crystal-field engineering and discusses the basic physical concepts that determine laser gain and nonlinear frequency conversion in optical crystals. Henderson and Bartram develop the predictive capabilities of crystal-field engineering to show how modification of the symmetry and composition of optical centers can improve laser performance. They also discuss applications of the principles of crystal-field engineering to a variety of optical crystals in relation to the performances of...

This is the first book to provide a thorough and systematic description of the entire subject of particle field holography. The use of holography to study very small objects in a dynamic volume is a technique of importance for scientists and engineers across a variety of disciplines for obtaining information about the size, shape and velocity of small objects such as dust particles, fuel droplets, raindrops, pollen, bubbles, etc.

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...

The scientific and technological importance of lasers has generated great interest in the field of cavity nonlinear optics. This book provides a thorough description of this subject in terms of modern dynamical systems theory, with an emphasis on deriving analytical results and highlighting their physical significance. The book applies physical models for active and passive cavities to a variety of problems in laser theory, optical bistability and parametric oscillators. Subjects include scaling laws, Hopf bifurcations, passive Q-switching, and Turing instabilities. Several of the topics...

Low-dimensional semiconductor structures, often referred to as nanocrystals or quantum dots, exhibit fascinating behavior and have a multitude of potential applications, especially in the field of communications. This book examines in detail the optical properties of these structures, gives full coverage of theoretical and experimental results, and discusses their technological applications. The author begins by setting out the basic physics of electron states in crystals (adopting a "cluster-to-crystal" approach), and goes on to discuss the growth of nanocrystals, absorption and emission of...

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamental principles and applications of semiconductor diode laser arrays. All of the major types of arrays are discussed in detail, including coherent, incoherent, edge- and surface-emitting, horizontal- and vertical-cavity, individually addressed, lattice- matched and strained-layer systems. The initial chapters cover such topics as lasers, amplifiers, external-cavity control, theoretical modeling, and operational dynamics. Spatially incoherent arrays are then described in detail, and the uses of vertical-cavity surface emitter and...

Quantum mechanics sets fundamental limits on the amount of information one can extract from a system with a single set of measurements. Recent results of new theoretical analyses and optical experiments have given rise to a more complete knowledge of the quantum properties of light. This book gives the first detailed description of this fascinating branch of quantum optics. The author describes some key results and tools from quantum optics and then discusses the quantum mechanical description of simple optical instruments before giving a detailed treatment of quantum tomography. The book...

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.