The propagation of electromagnetic waves in "square-law" media, i.e., media characterized by a quadratic spatial variation of the dielectric constant, has been a favorite subject of investigation in electromagnetic theory. However, with the recent fabrication of glass fibers with a quadratic radial variation of the dielectric constant and the application of such fibers to optical imaging and communications, this subject has also assumed practical importance. Comparison of experimental results on propagation, resolu- tion, and pulse distortion in such inhomogeneous waveguides with theory has...

With the advent of lasers, numerous applications of it such as optical information processing, holography, and optical communication have evolved. These applications have made the study of optics essential for scientists and engineers. The present volume, intended for senior under- graduate and first-year graduate students, introduces basic concepts neces- sary for an understanding of many of these applications. The book has grown out of lectures given at the Master's level to students of applied optics at the Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi. Chapters 1-3 deal with geometrical...