Book Description

Offering a wide range of illustrative examples at the end of each chapter, this reference builds upon fundamental concepts in nonlinear optics to provide a clear understanding of recent developments in the field—compiling essential methods in numerical modeling, characterization techniques for nonlinear materials, and applications in image processing and self-organized systems for a contemporary and authoritative discussion of nonlinear optics in the modern era. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Nonlinear optics from an engineer's point of view
First, let me start by stating that I would have given the book 4 stars but the first edition has an incredible amount of typesetting mistakes in the equations.If you are working through each equation it is realtively easy to find the mistakes, but it can be a real impediment to learning the material.

This book takes a very detailed look at nonlinear optics from an electrical engineering point of view.The important topics are covered, from a modest review of needed Fourier concepts to X(2) and X(3) nonlinear processes.Emphasis in the chapters is placed on development of the material from what I, born a physicist, consider to be an engineer's point of view.Problems at the end of the chapter ask the reader to develop alternate, heuristic approaches in parallel to the chapter.Contrary to the 'editorial review', the end of the chapters do not contain indept examples, I can only assume they are referring to the problems left to the reader.

All of that being said, this book takes a rigorous approach to the development of the core nonlinear optics topics.This book would be a good acquisition for anyone in the field of nonlinear optics to round out books such as Boyd's Nonlinear Optics or others.

Again, the assertion in the editorial review that this book would be for seniors or first year grad students is, I think, mistaken.This is more for students who have already mastered a core curriculum in optics. ... Read more

Book Description

This book describes in detail the relationship between radiometry and photometry. It covers information needed to solve problems in radiation transfer and detection, detectors, measuring instruments, and concepts in colorimetry. ... Read more

Book Description

An updated and revised second edition of the acclaimed classic
Have you ever wondered why the sky is blue, or a ruby red? This classic volume studies the physical and chemical origins of color by exploring fifteen separate causes of color and their varied and often subtle occurrences in biology, geology, mineralogy, the atmosphere, technology, and the visual arts. It covers all of the fundamental concepts at work and requires no specialized knowledge.
Author Kurt Nassau includes hundreds of illustrations, tables, and photographs-as well as end-of-chapter problems-that aid in visualizing the concepts discussed. An updated bibliography permits readers to pursue their own particular interests and an expanded series of appendices cover advanced topics.
The Physics and Chemistry of Color, Second Edition is a one-of-a-kind treatment of color that provides both detailed physical and chemical properties of color and a more general overview of the subject. It will prove highly useful to specialists and non-specialists alike-and fascinate those with varied interests from optics to art history. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A very readable treatment of the subject
Nassau succeeds in presenting a very readable treatment on the causes of color in natural and synthetic materials. He strikes a good balance between technical detail and ease of digestion, and leaves the more complex material for appendices.

The volume is enlightening, informative, fairly complete and enjoyable reading, even for those casually interested in the subject.

Very readable reference work for science people.
Discusses a number of topics in a short and clear way. Of course more topics could be discussed and more in depth, but Nassau does a good job keeping the book small and pleasantly readable. After reading it you will have gained a fair insight in the diversity of colour generation. Photo's could be better.

Extremely interesting and comprehensive discussion.
The book goes through the causes of color in a very well organized manner. The author discusses incandescence, fluorescence, phosphorescence, ligand field theory and all other causes of color. It is written so that any reader with a bachelors degree in chemistry or physics could easily understand it. It contains very informative appendices. I highly recommend the book to science types who are interested in color and its causes. ... Read more

Book Description

Keeping abreast of the latest techniques and applications, this new edition of the standard reference and graduate text on laser spectroscopy has been completely revised and expanded. While the general concept is unchanged, the new edition features a broad array of new material, e.g., frequency doubling in external cavities, reliable cw-parametric oscillators, tunable narrow-band UV sources, more sensitive detection techniques, tunable femtosecond and sub-femtosecond lasers (X-ray region and the attosecond range), control of atomic and molecular excitations, frequency combs able to synchronize independent femtosecond lasers, coherent matter waves, and still more applications in chemical analysis, medical diagnostics, and engineering.

Some praise for previous editions:

"A detailed survey of the essential ideas and facts, which, because of its clarity and utility, is already a classic...It would be hard to imagine a better book at this level addressed to a wide audience." -APPLIED OPTICS ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Good reference book
This is a very complete introduction book to laser spectroscopy. The thing I like best about this book is clarity. The author lays down basic principles of a set-up in one or two pages, supplemented with illustrations. First 5 chapters are about instruments. Then it is followed by 9 chapters of introduction of different types of laser spectroscopy. The last chapter contains several real-life applications of spectroscopy.

The difference between 2nd and 3rd editions is small. I think only about 10-15 sections are changed. Very few changes in the first 12 chapters. Among the new stuffs, CRDS and frequency combing seem interesting. I skipped the update on the last chapter. I think there is no need to buy the new edition if your cash supply is limited.

Good reference book on spectroscopy
This book contains most of the optical spectroscopic methods currently used. A highly recommended book for anyone who wants an introduction to research level spectroscopic methods.

great book
It is a great book that I read until now about Laser Spectroscopy.It is a most useful book for me in my education and researchs . ... Read more

Book Description

The Art and Science of Optical Design is a comprehensive introduction to lens design, covering the fundamental physical principles and key engineering issues. Several practical examples of modern computer-aided lens design are worked out in detail from start to finish. The basic theory and results of optics are presented early on in the book, along with a discussion of optical materials. Aberrations, and their correction, and image analysis are then covered in great detail. Subsequent chapters deal with design optimization and tolerance analysis. Several design examples are then given, beginning with basic lens design forms, and progressing to advanced systems such as gradient index and diffractive optical components. In covering all aspects of optical design, including the use of modern lens design software, this book will be invaluable to students of optical engineering as well as to anyone engaged in optical design at any stage. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

It has valuable information which is poorly organized
The book covers a topic badly in need of a comprehensive text. This book seems to be a dump of information by the author with no successful attempt to organize it well. Large blocks of text with no subheadings and inadequate figures make the material confusing to someone who does not understand the material beforehand. References to radiometry are a disaster. In one paragraph on page 95 there are no less than five separate mistakes. The confusion between radiance and irradiance is total. On the other hand, in the absence of any other text, the book is a valuable and complete reference on the use of ray-trace analysis in optical design.

Useful content, but not well organized.
This book coves the subject of optical design in detail. The content is good, and comprehensive. However, the material is not well organized. Some of the material is too theoretical, and not related to practical problems. ... Read more

Book Description

This book incorporates research-leveldevelopments and perspectives in optics from a materials science and physics viewpoint, as well as exploring defect structures and non- linear optics.The editors also address the fundamental physics of commonly experienced LCDs, reviewing the important, now well-established nematic structures and covering the emergent new areas of ferroelectrics and electroclinics. ... Read more

Book Description

Volume II of Handbook of Optical Properties summarizes our present understanding with respect to how small particles interact with light. This handbook brings together information encompassing the entire field of optical properties in a complete and essential reference for anyone in the field. Many experts in their respective fields present a variety of pertinent optics-related subjects, including: ... Read more

Book Description

Detection of Light provides a comprehensive overview of the important approaches to photon detection from the ultraviolet to the submillimeter spectral regions. This expanded and fully updated second edition discusses recently introduced types of detector: superconducting tunnel junctions, hot electron bolometer mixers, and fully depleted CCDs. It also includes historically important devices such as photographic plates. Material from many disciplines is combined into a comprehensive and unified treatment of the detection of light, with emphasis on the underlying physical principles. ... Read more

Book Description

This tutorial summarizes optical lithography enhancement research and development over the past 20 years. Discusses theoretical and practical aspects of commonly used techniques, including optical imaging and resolution, modified illumination, optical proximity correction, alternating and attenuating phase-shifting masks, selecting RETs, and second-generation RETs. Useful for students and practicing lithographers. ... Read more

Book Description

Here's the only book to comprehensively address integrated optics from both the theory and practical modeling standpoints -- it reveals crucial design methods that decrease your overall device modeling effort. ... Read more

Book Description

This book is the first comprehensive textbook on the optical properties of photonic crystals. It deals not only with the properties of the radiation modes inside the crystals but also with their peculiar optical response to external fields. A general theory of linear and nonlinear optical response is given in a clear and detailed fashion using Green's function method. The symmetry of the eigenmodes is treated systematically using group theory to show how it affects the optical properties of photonic crystals. Important recent developments such as the enhancement of stimulated emissions, second harmonic generation, quadrature-phase squeezing, and low-threshold lasing are also treated in detail and made understandable. Numerical methods are also emphasized. Thus this book provides both introductory knowledge for graduate and undergraduate students and also important ideas for researchers in this field. ... Read more

Book Description

This comprehensive introduction to the principles underlying laser light scattering focuses on the time dependence of fluctuations in fluid systems. It also serves as an introduction to the theory of time correlation functions, with chapters on projection operator techniques in statistical mechanics. Wide-ranging discussions of numerous applications make this volume of interest to research chemists, physicists, biologists, medical and fluid mechanics researchers, engineers, and grad students. Over 60 text figures. 1976 ed.
... Read more

Book Description

Basics of Holography is a general introduction to the subject written by a leading worker in the field. It begins with the theory of holographic imaging, the characteristics of the reconstructed image, and the various types of holograms. Practical aspects of holography are then described, including light sources, the characteristics of recording media and recording materials, as well as methods for producing different types of holograms and computer-generated holograms. Finally, important applications of holography are discussed, such as high-resolution imaging, holographic optical elements, information processing, and holographic interferometry. ... Read more

Book Description

This volume features discussion of: Fundamental optics principles, including geometric, physical, and quantum optics; Optical sources (such as light emitting diodes and lasers) and detectors (including energy, waveform, and imaging detection techniques); Detection and processing by human vision; Information and image processing; Design and fabrication, including optical layout techniques and lens design programs; Optical thin film coatings; Terrestrial coatings. ... Read more

Book Description

This second volume based on Michael Kidger's popular short courses and workshops is aimed at readers already familiar with the concepts presented in Fundamental Optical Design (SPIE Press Vol. PM92). It begins with a sweeping discussion of optimization that is written with the user in mind, and continues with a unique look at the role of higher-order aberrations. The book's key feature is its astounding presentation of a wide range of practical design examples, covering such problems as secondary spectrum correction, high numerical aperture designs, lasers, zoom lenses, tilted or decentered optical systems, and price and performance requirements. Each scenario is accompanied by an in-depth discussion that goes well beyond the ray aberration plot, including useful insights into an optical designer's thought processes. ... Read more

Book Description

The advent of lasers in the 1960s led to the development of many new fields in optical physics. This book is a systematic treatment of one of these fields--the broad area that deals with the coherence and fluctuation of light. The authors begin with a review of probability theory and random processes, and follow this with a thorough discussion of optical coherence theory within the framework of classical optics.They next treat the theory of photoelectric detection of light and photoelectric correlation.They then discuss in some detail quantum systems and effects.The book closes with two chapters devoted to laser theory and one on the quantum theory of nonlinear optics.The sound introduction to coherence theory and the quantum nature of light and the chapter-end exercises will appeal to graduate students and newcomers to the field. Researchers will find much of interest in the new results on coherence-induced spectral line shifts, nonclassical states of light, higher-order squeezing, and quantum effects of down-conversion. Written by two of the world's most highly regarded optical physicists, this book is required reading of all physicists and engineers working in optics. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Very well writen book on Quantum Optics
This book is a self contained one on Quantum Optics. It gives systematic treatment of nearly very aspects of this field, good mathematical description of some methods and idea and even some historical developments of the topics. Though it seems a huge volume, it is really worth reading for EVERY beginner in this field. With this book, one does not need to look for other references to understand the topics.

A good reference for quantum optics research
This book is like an encyclopedia of quantum optics. Its a good book to have on your shelf as a reference but to learn the subject, its a little overwhelming. ... Read more

Book Description

Achieving efficient solar energy conversion at both large scale and low cost is among the most important technological challenges for the near future. ORGANIC PHOTOVOLTAICS describes the fundamentals of organic/plastic solar cells in a manner accessible to both researchers and students. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the operational principles underlying several types of solar cells that have absorber layers based on polymer materials and small molecules. It addresses competing approaches, such as polymer solar cells and dye-sensitized cells, while considering the thermodynamic principles within the context of these schemes. ORGANIC PHOTOVOLTAICS also analyzes in detail the charge-transfer processes in the bulk-heterojunction devices corresponding to the relevant mechanism of carrier generation. Emphasized throughout is the concept of interpenetrating polymer-fullerene networks, due to their high potential for improving power efficiency. ... Read more

Book Description

An important resource for novices in the field and for those experienced in optical thin film design and production, this up-to-date reference text discusses the fundamentals, equipment, materials, and processes necessary to produce thin film optical coatings successfully--demonstrating how to optimize control sensitivity and repeatability of films to achieve desired effects. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

One indispensable volume for a thin film maker
Almost all knowledges about the manufacturing of an optical thin film are coverd.Especially bibliograpy is substantial.Although most required things have gathered, they are good.About the theoretical portion of the characteristic of a thin film, explanation is by for beginners a little.Although there is nothing, since there are some which explained it mostly, they do not become a problem.
As the 2nd book,it is indispensable to those who are going to study the optical thin film.
In a thin film maker's bookshelf,It is one volume which should be equipped with and placed. ... Read more

Book Description

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 holography in detail, such as high resolution imaging, information storage and processing, vibration analysis, and holographic interferometry.Containing more than 1000 selected references, this book will be invaluable to anyone wishing to learn more about optical holography, as well as to established researchers and engineers in this field. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great Book!
This book is a great overview of all the different methods of using and making holograms. It has extensive references. It assumes the reader has a mathamatical background. I refer to it more than any other holography book in my library. ... Read more

Amazon.com

What is it that makes the work of Monet, van Gogh, da Vinci, and Warholso visually arresting? How do our eyes and brains coordinate to perceive lineand color?

Neurobiologist Margaret Livingstone addresses these and many other questions inVision and Art, a lively look at the science underlying art. She writesaccessibly, but with plenty of technical depth, on such matters as the nature oflight and the visible spectrum, the organization of visual-image processing, thestructure of the vertebrate eye and brain, and individual and culturallyconditioned perceptions of color. Using well-known works of art as case studies,she offers fascinating bits of trivia (on, for instance, how pastels are madeand why purple dyes are so rare) alongside practical information for artists(for example, how high-contrast contours and evenly distributed luminanceattract the eye).

The result is a literate, lucid blend of art and science that will appeal toartists and connoisseurs alike. --Gregory McNamee ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Shows you how you see and how you paint
Margaret Livingstone has produced a book so very useful to visual artists that it may, in its density of ideas, seem definitive rather than evocative. But evocative it is. As we learn from studying it, Livingstone's book offers implications that may be developed by any artist who reads it in almost any direction. One might take as an example the very rich Chapter 8, with its notions of luminance as a balance for the salience, or pushiness of certain colors - how Leonardo handled it, how Ingres handled it, and how today's painter or digital image maker might go even further. The size and shape of the book allow for illustrations that work on the eye at the right scale. And there is an overall visual loudness to the book that is jarring and satisfying.

The author gets to the structure of our visual systems, makes them very clear, and tells us things that are lasting and verifiable. Her spirit of personal experimentation shows in the book, and makes us think that looking inquisitively at the world will pay off.

Fascinating Science of Visual Art
Some teasers on the back cover:

"Why do Claude Monet's fields of flowers seem to wave in the breeze?"

"What is the secret of Mona Lisa's smile?"

The first two chapters cover some scientific fundamentals- how light and the human vision works. While this is all very scientific, every effort is made to make it understandable, with plenty of full-color diagrams illustrating the concepts. While these 2 chapters are not the easiest to read, they're not rocket science either, and provide a valuable foundation for the rest of the book. Not essential but VERY useful.

Things start to get interesting toward the end of the 2nd chapter, when we start to understand what a red/green colorblind person sees. But the best stuff starts to come in the third chapter ("Luminance and Night Vision"). Plenty of interesting illustrations are provided in this chapter (like red cherries in a blue bowl, where the cherries appear brighter or darker than the bowl depending on the ambient light, or flickering polkadots), and continues until the rest of a book, making it a truly fascinating read.

Oh, and the explanation on Mona Lisa's enigmatic smile is very convincing.

I definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in both visual art and science.
I also recommend it to anyone who's interested in science and how things work- you'll appreciate some art pieces a lot more after reading this book.

Worth a Look
This volume is very good at covering how the human visual system operates and how that affects the artist and art viewer. It's not too dense with abstruse scientific detail and it contains lots of good examples and demonstrations. The writing style and
organisation of the book are also clear.

On the whole, I would recommend this book to anyone interested in the visual arts, although the scope of the book is not large.

First rate science meets oil painting.
This is a really neat book but the title is a misleading. It doesn't cover all visual art but concentrates on oil painting. The author is a neurophysiologist at Havard Med who can actually write intelligbly, entertainingly and accessibly about her field and how it intersects with 2 dimensional art. It is not an easy read. The book is chock full of visual illusions, detailed illustrations, carefully chosen paintings from the last 500 years and quotations from the scientists who have studied light, color and vision. The last chapter covers electronic media in the form of computer and TV screens and was particularly good but seemed to lack integration with the rest of the manuscript. Overall, this book is delighfully dense. Take some time and savor it. ... Read more