Book Description

This text aims to provide an introduction to the subject of quantum field theory without the complication of introducing its application areas such as elementary particle physics or statistical physics at the same time.
It explains those features of quantum and statistical field systems that result from their field-theoretic nature and are therefore common to different physical contexts. The reader is supplied with practical tools for carrying out calculations as well as a discussion of the meaning of the results.
An approach emphasizing the simplest models is used, progressing to discussion of real systems before mentioning more general and rigorous conclusions. The book is structured around carefully selected problems, which are solved in detail. The central concept is that of effective action (or free energy in statistical physics), and the main technical tool is the path integral, although other formalisms are also mentioned. A knowledge of particle physics phenomenology is not required. T ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Excellent informal QFT intro
You want to know what is Casimir effect, renormalization and Callan-Symanzic Eqn, effective action and path integral. You take a standard QFT course (say, Weinberg or Peskin) and find yourself overwhelmed with peculiarities of Dirac spinors and Lorentz group representations. You feel you are not going anywhere: you are not learning QFT, really! Maybe you are even not a particle physicist after all. Then this book is for YOU! Authors do a great job explaining the essence of QFT (as an interacting theory with an infinite number degrees of freedom) using the scalar field Lagrangian with the quartic interaction as a prime example. It is amazing how far one actually can go with such a model! Each chapter contains an illustrative calculation of a physical quantity (say, the Casimir energy, Ch. 5), with all the details, and without unnecessary complications. One also learns a great deal of the path integral techniques (e.g. instantons), which is extremely important in a variety of fields (QCD, condensed matter, statistical physics, etc). Overall, a highly recommended reading.

A great introductory course
I've looked at many books on quantum field theory and this is without doubt the best introductory work I have found. The Weinberg book jumps in at the deep end, the Kaku book jumps in at about 6 feet deep but this one allows you to at least climb into the pool. It's a rare intelligence to be aware of how to lead one's reader along the learning curve and these authors display it. Typo errors occur at the rate of about one every two pages (did anyone read the proofs?) but they are easily discovered if one follows the math carefully. ... Read more

Book Description

* This book is a tutorial on digital techniques for waveform generation, digital filters, and digital signal processing tools and techniques
* The typical chapter begins with some theoretical material followed by working examples and experiments using the TMS320C6713-based DSPStarter Kit (DSK)
* The C6713 DSK is TI's newest signal processor based on the C6x processor (replacing the C6711 DSK) ... Read more

Book Description

Volume I:
* Provides a particularly good discussion of the electromagnetics of light in bounded media
* Only book that treats the two complementary topics, fiber and integrated optics
* Careful and thorough presentation of the topics that makes it well suited for courses and self study
* Includes numerous problems and solutions
Volume II:
* Provides a particularly good discussion of the electromagnetics of light in bounded media (i.e., fibers)
* the only book that treats the two complementary topics, fiber and integrated optics.
* A careful and thorough presentation of the topics that make it well suited for self-study. It includes numerous problems and worked out solutions ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Elements of Photonics
In sixteen chapters in two volumes, "Elements of Photonics" by Keigo
Iizuka exhibits his passion for teaching the facts about light, the
devices with which one controls it, and the mathematics by which to
express its behavior.The book has careful definitions and step by
step explanations beautifully illustrated. It builds its mathematical
parts on a basic knowledge of Maxwell's equations and the Fourier
transform which the reader is assumed to possess; however, the
mathematical exposition never loses touch with the laboratory, and
explanations in terms of basic geometry are offered side by side with
the more mathematical exposition.

A great strength of the book is the definition of terms one finds
in the photonics literature.Another is that many topics
are presented from both a simple geometric point of view and
a more mathematical point of view, so the reader can choose
how to learn. A third is the wealth of superb drawings and diagrams.

The author's preface gives a helpful orientation and the index is
complete and well organized as an aid to using the book as a reference
book.

When I tried using the book to learn about lithium niobate phase
shifters I found the explanation so good that I started using
"Elements of Photonics" as the first place to resolve the
many mysteries that I encounter in working my way into photonics.

So far it has exceeded my expectations on three out four other topics
that I tried.While the field of photonics offers quantum effects and
complex interferometers omitted in this book, for a foundation in
photonics "Elements of Photonics" is head and shoulders the best
available.

The chapters are in volume I are:
Fourier Optics: concepts and applications.
Boundaries, near-field optics, and near-field imaging.
Fabry-Perot resonators, beams, and radiation pressure,
Propagation of light in anisotropic crystals
Optical properties of crystals under various external fields

Polarization of light
How to construct and use the Poincare sphere
Phase conjugate optics

Volume II contains:
Planar optical guides for integrated optics
Optical waveguides and devices for integrated optics
Modes and dispersion in optical fibers
Detecting light
Optical amplifiers
Transmitters
Stationary and solitary solutions in a nonlinear medium
Communicating by fiber optics;

In addition, there are three appendices:
PIN photodiode on an atomic scale
Mode density

Perturbation theory ... Read more

Book Description

WAVES IN THE OCEAN AND ATMOSPHERE presents a study of the fundamental theory of waves appropriate for first year graduate students in oceanography, meteorology and associated sciences. Starting with an elementary overview of the basic wave concept, specific wave phenomena are then examined, including: surface gravity waves, internal gravity waves, lee waves, waves in the presence of rotation, geostrophic adjustment, quasi-geostrophic waves and potential vorticity, wave-mean flow interaction and unstable waves. Each wave topic is used to introduce either a new technique or concept in general wave theory. Emphasis is placed on connectivity between the various subjects and on the physical interpretation of the mathematical results. The book contains numerous exercises at the end of the respective chapters. ... Read more

Book Description

Satellite communications refers to the utilisation of geostationary orbiting satellites to relay the transmission received from one earth station to one or more earth stations. They are the outcome of research in the area of communications whose objective is to achieve ever-increasing ranges and capacities with the lowest possible costs.
Since publication of the first edition, satellite communications systems have become increasingly sophisticated. This revised, updated and extended fourth edition covers the entire field of satellite communications engineering from the techniques of orbital mechanics and radio wave propagation to the design of communication links and earth stations.

• Features an improved presentation of satellite applications with regards to services
• Discusses the most recent developments in this evolving field, including MPEG2, concatenated coding, digital TV and examples of transmission of digital telephony
• Practical approach and extensive illustrations are highly valued by student audience
• A single source, comprehensive and thorough reference covering the entire field of satellite communications engineering.

• An updated section on the evolution of satellite communications and the deployment of services
• Inclusion of MPEG2, concatenated coding and coded modulation
• Discusses examples for the transmission of digital telephony, digital TV and date, introduction of DVB-s (Digital Video Broadcasting by satellite) standard
• Complete re-organisation of Chapters 5 and 6 resulting in a unique new Chapter 5 entitled 'Service Oriented Satellite Networks'
• Recent developments in deployable antennas
• Lithium batteries
• New launchers such as Atlas 3 and 4

Reviews (4)

An up-to-date source on Satellite Communications
This fourth edition, like the previous editions, covers every aspect of satellite communications including the key principles, modulation techniques, earth station, transponders, and, the space segment. Last chapter is a good summary of the reliability concepts. Must be in the bookshelf of any professional telecommunications engineer and graduate/post-graduate students majoring in satellite communications techniques.

Best book for your life
If you are really interested to understant the satellite systems, and this is the best of the books for you. The book give you a lot of in deep infomation of the satellite system and have a lot of calculation. The calculation is not easy to understand at all, so this book is not good for the beginner.

Excellent detail a great student text
Looking for a detailed but straight forward way to learn about satellite communication systems? Maybe your a student looking for study support material on this subject? Well you just found the ultimate book!

Maral et al have put together an excellent step by step approach to understanding this complex subject. The space and ground segments get equal detailed treatment with system design methods and analysis of all the components. This leads to a walk through of link budget calculation including examples with specific technical objectives.

If I could only have one Satellite Comms book then this is it!

my favorit book
Satellite Communications Systems , I think that is an important for my work . ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Not a great physics text
Characteristics of this book (and ratings out of 10). Note that all ratings and descriptions are in comparison to other books.

Difficulty of material: 8 (not necessarily a good thing for everyone), the book is more difficult than most freshman physics texts (calc-based), but there are some derivations that were left out or some were poor in explanation.

Examples: 5, the setup of the examples appear as though they would be excellent, and the setup was a good idea. However, Tipler did a poor job in his carrying out the explanation portion of the examples. Because of this, some of the examples are difficult to follow. This is probably the most important point of the book--examples are crucial to problem solving! Tipler's text doesn't stand up.

Problem Planning: 7, some of the problems have terrible setups, others are simply just vague. In one problem you have to assume a weight for the problem, although this was difficult to discern from the problem description. It was just confusing about how the problem should be approached. Tipler should have actually given the statement "assume a weight," instead of leaving it vague. Another problem had two different masses for answers. That is simply poor planning. The positive aspects of the problem set is that, at least for some colleges, the answers to all the problems can be found on the college's website. Also, there are lots of problems to work, and the conceptual problems are, for the most part, well done.

Compared to Other Books: I have 5 other physics books and this is by far the worst of them. Serway's or Young's books are FAR better. There is far more explanation and the problems are just as difficult (Serway's has even harder material in some aspects). The other texts contains more and better derivations (assuming you are looking for the hardest editions). Other books give much better material for the amount of money asked for.

If you must buy this book for class, I would recommend getting an additional used book (from an author other than Tipler) for reference. You may find you use other texts more than the assigned text because Tipler's text is poor. Also, problems on physics tests are usually from other books--so working problems in other books can only help test grades.

dazed and confused
Terrible book - often when explaining problems, it skips steps (so you have no idea how they got from one point to the next), and they show so few examples. Over 100 homework problems for each chapter, with only the odd-#ed answers in back (no explanations, or even-#ed answers), and most of the problems have nothing similar that are explained in the chapter!
I'm having a rough time comprehending this book, and I'm an 'A' calculus student.

Very excelent.
The first equation that you see in this book is that "Tipler= Quality"

At first, this seems a little pompous and presumptuous. But it is alas, oh so true. When I first started physics this year, I had no experience of calculus. I thought taking a physics course based in calc was going to be hard. I was wrong, as Tipler's explinations were so well done that I found the math to be easy. Although its true that most of my physics learning came from my high school teacher, the only thing he lectured on where things that came almost directly from Tipler. This was convinient if I didn't feel like taking extensive notes. By the end of the simester, I had mechanics mastered. With Tipler by my side, the biggest challenge in learning physics was overcoming my own lazyness.

WORST TEXT EVER!!!
this book is BAAAD. i hated it. it's very hard to understand. it's too technical. i think it should explain the concepts more in english, instead of all technical then it'll be easier to understand.

This book is so hard to understand.
I'm a straight A student, and I've never had any problems in any of my classes. But this book is making me failing my physics class. It is sooooo hard to read and understand. It's making me so afraid of physics. ... Read more

Book Description

The first complete introduction to waves and wave phenomena by a renowned theorist.Covers damping, forced oscillations and resonance; normal modes; symmetries; traveling waves; signals and Fourier analysis; polarization; diffraction. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

The worst Physics book I've ever used
The only way I would read this garbage again is if I have a gun pointing at my head. This book is totally useless. I have to admit there aren't too many good "wave" books out there to use so my professor didn't really had much of a choice. I used this book this passed spring semester for my Honors Waves and Thermodynamics class at Cornell University. Since it's an honors class we required a book that has a more theoretical and math-intensive approach to Waves. I guess Georgi's goal was to write a bunch of formulas in a few badly put together pages and sell the as a book. Again what garbage; I had to take so much care of it, because I definitely knew I was going to keep this crap and I wanted to sell it right here on the Amazon Marketplace as soon as I could. Believe me if you have to take a Waves class which forces you to use this so called "book" make sure you also check a real waves book from the library, like I did. I recommend The Berkley Physics Vol. 3 Waves book.

5 stars for content, -1 because the soft cover fell apart
This is a great book, as long as you don't read it so much. If you open it too many times, pages start to fall out. Georgi's super mathematical, so it'll help to know linear algebra and diff. eq. Problems are pretty varied, from easy to somewhat hard. Nothing impossible though. ... Read more

Book Description

"Co-published with Oxford University Press Long considered the most comprehensive account of electromagnetic theory and analytical methods for solving waveguide and cavity problems, this new Second Edition has been completely revised and thoroughly updated -- approximately 40ew material!Packed with examples and applications FIELD THEORY OF GUIDED WAVES provides solutions to a large number of practical structures of current interest. The book includes an exceptionally complete discussion of scalar and Dyadic Green functions. Both a valuable review and source of basic information on applied mathematical topics and a hands-on source for solution methods and techniques, this book belongs on the desk of all engineers working in microwave and antenna systems!"

Sponsored by:
IEEE Antennas and Propagation Society ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Complete & extensive work on rf technology
After you read this book you will think that Jackson's 'Classical Electrodynamic' is brief and easy. I was required to learn for my job the physics of waveguides.
I purchased this book because it was recommended by Jackson. In fact Jacksons chapter on waveguide is a summery of what you can find it here.
Although very difficullt to read you can find all information about guided waves you need. I was never required to go beyond this book.

The "Divina Commedia" of Applied Electromagnetism!
Simply staten this is one of the finest books ever written in applied electromagnetics.There is a deligthful analytical treatment of everything related to wave-propagation in waveguides.But Mr Collin is not a dry-hearted teacher ,he is able to explain very complicated mathematical instruments with a very clear and fresh approach.Expecially good is the Green Function's treatment which is the best i ever saw in any book.Reading this book you will be able to progress from the intermediate to the very advanced level in Applied Electromagnetism.While it is true that nowadays there is a lot of software around that analyses almost every conceivable structure,it is also true that a analytical study gives you the possibility to sort the important from the accessory ,a thing no computer system is still able to do.I reccomend this book to anyone interested in advanced Electromagnetism.Only bad point is the price ,which is too much high expecially with the weak Euro we have now .On the whole a "top" book:5 stars!

Field Theory of Guided Waves (2nd ed.): A Goldmine !
Briefly, Professor Robert E. Collin's revised text (Field Theory of Guided Waves) is a goldmine for those who want to do serious work in applied electromagnetics. This book is not addressed with aspiring physicists in mind, but rather directed at electrical engineers who are engaged working in radio wave propagation, scattering and antennas. The author covers a whole slew of topics like TEM waves, Surface waveguides, function theoretic techniques, waveguide and cavity excitations, inhomogeneously filled waveguides and dielectric resonators etc. and etc. There is a good amount of analytical material relegated to the mathematical appendices.

What is different in the second edition (from its earlier 1960 edition) is the most profitable chapter on Green's functions (ch. 2 of the book). This chapter runs from page 55 to 172 - that is about 127 pages. Prof. Collin, like an articulate storyteller, covers most of the important aspects of Green's functions that an engineer may need to know. This chapter was missing from its 1st edition and hence its inclusion in the 2nd edition has increased the book's worth several fold.

To use the book profitably, I suggest that the reader work through carefully chapters 1 and 2. Also, because this book is intended to be a graduate (advanced) text, the reader muts have a good background in the undergraduate engineering mathematics that EE students are required to take at most universities in USA and abroad. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (1)

Fields over Particles
There is an old debate in quantum physics: Do we consider particles or waves? Some believe that debate was concluded by Wigner's work, which says *loosely* that particles are sets of quantum numbers arising as excitations of a given quantum field. The quantum field in turn is an effective structure appearing at low energies due to three fundamental properties of our world: Clustering, relativity, and basic quantum mechanics.

However, the above picture assumes regimes far from strong gravitational fields. In the case of such fields Hawking radiation, and black hole thermodynamics arise, which forces one back to the old question: Do we consider waves or particles. This plot thickens when one considers the fact that in strict general relativity global symmetries, and subsequently conserved quantities such as energy, are special cases within the space of all classical configurations. How do we then go about constructing particle quantum numbers --- which are the origin of the classical conserved quantities --- in a strongly curved circumstance?

Wald's text shows us exactly a method for doing so and more. In Wald's `QFT in Curved Spacetime and Black Hole Thermodynamics' fields are given primary status and explicit consideration of the symplectic spaces, manifolds and geometry associated with the classical space of solutions is made. As an example, the Klein Gordon scalar field is considered in detail. Having completed that task quantization in a geometric manner is possible and carried out in Rindler's geometry --- and others --- where Unruh's effect can be seen. Black hole thermodynamics is derived carefully in this text and its relation to Hawking radiation is precisely shown using all previous techniques presented in the document.

This is a text that is not served by skipping around. Everything here is truly relevant and worth the read. Wald is a true master at conveying in words the tension and solutions of GR and this text clearly describes the motivation, problems and solutions associated with QFT on curved backgrounds. ... Read more

Book Description

This comprehensive introduction to the mathematical theory of vorticity and incompressible flow begins with the elementary introductory material and leads into current research topics.While the book centers on mathematical theory, many parts also showcase the interaction among rigorous mathematical theory, numerical, asymptotic, and qualitative simplified modeling, and physical phenomena.The first half forms an introductory graduate course on vorticity and incompressible flow.The second half comprises a modern applied mathematics graduate course on the weak solution theory for incompressible flow. ... Read more

Book Description

The respected classic, now in a handy paperback edition

Originally published in 1971, Harry Van Trees' Detection, Estimation, and Modulation Theory, Part II is one of the classic references in the area of nonlinear modulation theory and analog communication. Highly readable and well organized, it is as valuable today for professionals, researchers, and students interested in the estimation of continuous waveforms as it was over thirty years ago.

Part II focuses on the problem of finding the optimum estimate of a waveform which is embedded in a signal in a nonlinear manner. The following topics are covered in detail:
* Bayesian Cramér-Rao bound on the mean-square estimation error
* Optimum demodulators for frequency-modulation systems
* Phase estimation: the synchronization problem
* Fokker-Planck techniques for nonlinear analysis in the presence of noise
* Optimum angle-modulation systems
* Rate distortion bounds for analog message transmission
* Analog communication over randomly time-varying channels
* State variable analysis procedures

For students in signal processing or professionals looking for a reliable refresher on waveform estimation, Detection, Estimation, and Modulation Theory, Part II provides authoritative, practical coverage by one of the most renowned figures in the field. Although most current systems are implemented digitally, the bounds on performance developed in Part II are still applicable. ... Read more

Book Description

Waves occur widely in nature and have innumerable commercial uses. Waves are responsible for the sound of speech, meteors igniting the atmosphere, radio and television broadcasting, medical diagnosis using ultrasound. This book provides a thorough, modern introduction to the study of linear and nonlinear waves. Beginning with fundamental concepts of motion, the book goes on to discuss linear and nonlinear mechanical waves, thermodynamics, and constitutive models for a variety of gases, liquids, and solids.Among the important areas of research and application are impact analysis, shock wave research, explosive detonation, nonlinear acoustics, and hypersonic aerodynamics. Students at an advanced undergraduate/graduate level will find this text a clear and comprehensive introduction to the study of nonlinear wave phenomena, and it will also be valuable as a professional reference in engineering and applied physics. ... Read more

Book Description

The physical and chemical processes occurring in gases at high temperatures are the focus of this outstanding text by two distinguished physicists. They discuss essential physical influences on the dynamics and thermodynamics of continuous media, combining material from such disciplines as gas dynamics, shock-wave theory, thermodynamics and statistical physics, molecular physics, spectroscopy, radiation theory, astrophysics, solid-state physics, and other fields. Originally published in two volumes, 1966-1967. 284 b/w illustrations.
... Read more

Reviews (3)

Must Have It!
This rare gem presents theory, experiments, and applications in a comprehensive and accessible manner. This is a must-have for theorists and experimentalists: it brings theorists back to earth, and gives experimentalists scientific rigor.

The definiative text on the subject
I am happy to see this outstanding text in print once again. This book is a must have for all who are interested in the subject of radiation-hydrodynamics.

The best book EVER on high-temperature flows.
The republication by Dover Publications of this masterwork by Ya. B. Zel'dovich and Yu. P. Raizer will be welcomed by all workers dealing with high-temperature (radiating) flows. This book is a virtual "Bible" for studies of shocks and radiation fronts in high speed aeronautics, astronautics (re-entry), astrophysics, fireballs, shock tubes, and very intense explosions.

Zel'dovich was a physicist of extraordinary breadth of interests. The style of this book is to give heuristic explanations followed by rigorous analysis. It is insightful for both beginning students and researchers in the field. This book is an ABSOLUTE MUST for anyone working on the subjects listed above.

The Dover edition binds both original volumes as one, and is based on the very scarce second printing, in which most of the typographical errors in the first printing were corrected. All other errors noted over the years since the original edition went out of print have been collected and corrected in this version, which should be virtually error free.

I URGE anyone working in astrophysics and high-temperature flow physics to buy, read, enjoy, and be enlightened by this masterpiece. ... Read more

Book Description

Time-Harmonic Electromagnetic Fields
A Classic Reissue in the IEEE Press Series on Electromagnetic Wave Theory
Donald G. Dudley, Series Editor
"When I begin a new research project, I clear my desk and put away all texts and reference books. Invariably, Harrington's book is the first book to find its way back to my desk. My copy is so worn that it is falling apart."--Dr. Kendall F. Casey, SRI
"In the opinion of our faculty, there is no other book available that serves as well as Professor Harrington's does as an introduction to advanced electromagnetic theory and to classic solution methods in electromagnetics."--Professor Chalmers M. Butler, Clemson University
First published in 1961, Roger Harrington's Time-Harmonic Electromagnetic Fields is one of the most significant works in electromagnetic theory and applications. Over the past forty years, it proved to be a key resource for students, professors, researchers, and engineers who require a comprehensive, in-depth treatment of the subject. Now, IEEE is reissuing the classic in response to requests from our many members, who found it an invaluable textbook and an enduring reference for practicing engineers.
About the IEEE Press Series on Electromagnetic Wave Theory
The IEEE Press Series on Electromagnetic Wave Theory offers outstanding coverage of the field. It consists of new titles of contemporary interest as well as reissues and revisions of recognized classics by established authors and researchers. The series emphasizes works of long-term archival significance in electromagnetic waves and applications. Designed specifically for graduate students, researchers, and practicing engineers, the series provides affordable volumes that explore and explain electromagnetic waves beyond the undergraduate level. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

EXCELLENT
I was introduced to this classic while I was a master's (M.Tech) student at IIT Kharagpur, India in 1981.

Prof. Harrington's very pithy approach provoked me to think deeply on the subject. It is because of this book that my interest in the subject has been alive and vibrant today.

I met Prof. Harrington for the 1st time at the IEEE Antennas and Propagation Conference at Ann Arbor, Michigan in 1993. Prof. Harrington comforted me by saying that he has no plans to do any alterantions to this classic text in the near future.

This book is not for the indolent and hence is not for causal reading like many lengthy and `verbose' textbooks on this subject. However, if I have ever an opportunity for organizing a 1st-year graduate course on EM theory, I shall use Harrington. Why wouldn't you ?

Good Foundation Book in Graduate-Level EM Theory
Harrington has written a concise yet complete graduate-level electromagnetic theory book. Because the book contains a solid review of time-harmonic fields and keeps discussions at a very intuitive level, it is a classic! ... Read more

Book Description

This completely revised and corrected new edition provides several new examples and exercises to enable deeper insight into the formalism and application of Quantum Electrodynamics.

Greiner and Reinhardt's thorough introductory text provides all necessary mathematical tools, together with many examples and worked problems. In their presentation of the subject, the authors adopt a heuristic approach based on the propagator formalism. The latter is introduced in the first two chapters in both its nonrelativistic and relativistic versions. Subsequently, a large number of scattering and radiation processes involving electrons, positrons, and photons are introduced and their theoretical treatment is presented in great detail. Higher order processes and renormalization are also included. The book concludes with a discussion of two-particle states and the interaction of spinless bosons. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Excellent for self-study - My highest recommendations
This book basically covers the same material as chapters 6-9 of the classic "Relativistic Quantum Mechanics" by Bjorken & Drell.
- Propagator
- Basic Quantum Electrodynamical Processes
- The Scattering Matrix in Higher Order (including good discussions of vacuum polarization, electron self-energy the and vertex correction)
- QED of spinless bosons

In addition to this it covers bound systems and strong fields, which are not discussed in B&D. The book also does a good job of working out a lot of the details missing from B&D.

The only minuses are:
-- some of the more advanced topics in B&D are dropped.
-- there are a lot of typos (but the alert reader should spot them easily)

Most accurate theory in physics.
QED is known as the most accurate theory in physics. This text nicely explains the major achievements in QED by Feynmann, Schwniger, and Tomonaga. Important connection among relativities, quantum mechanics, and classical electrodynamics. ... Read more

Book Description

The Institute of Optics, University of Rochester
* ".readers searching for a wide ranging and up-date view of fibre optic communication systems would do well to purchase this book."-International Journal of Electrical Engineering Education (on the Second Edition)
* This comprehensive, up-to-date account of fiber-optic communication focuses on the physics and technology behind fiber-optic communication systems while covering both the systems and components aspects
* Provides extensive details on the WDM technology and system design issues that have developed since the last edition ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Shame for the 3rd edition
The 3rd edition is published in 2002, but still has an extensive coverage on Coherent communication and Soliton. What a shame! Anybody knows that coherent communication and Soliton are dead since WDM became commercial deployment in 1996. On other hand, the author did not cover anything applications which are succefully beaten the coherent communication and Solition and are widely applied in the current optical communication systems (e.g., CRZ, DPSK modulation, high capacity DWDM....). It seems the author is not in touch with the industry for many years and is repeating the older and dead topics.
Moreover the software contained in the CD-ROM is completely useless.

great book for the right person
This is GREAT book for people who have at least the basic optics and electrical engineering concepts, even if they dont have technical degrees, and who feel comfortable with the mathematical treatment of a subject, even when they dont understand every little detail. Actually about a third of the book can be understood easily by anyone interested in the subject, but if you cannot "read" mathematics and have never seen logarithms or partial derivatives before, then I recommend "Understanding Fiber Optics" by Hecht or a similar non-mathematical treatment of the subject.

Overall the book follows a very logical pattern in its treatment of the subject. It is an overview-style book, covering the different parts of a fiber-optic communications system individually, and then tying them together (which I thought was the most useful feature of the book). Even though it covers many practial issues, it tends to read more like a physics/optics textbook than an engineering textbook or a lab manual.

In summary if you have the basic optics/e.e. knowledge and are comfortable thinking mathematically, this is a great overview book for you, but if are a first time reader trying to learn about fiber optics, stay away from this book or use it as a second, 'reference' book only.

Not for beginners
To the 2 folks who gave the book a 1 star. It is not a book for people who are new to the industry, people with little mathematical background, or for beginners. The book is more or less straight forward for people who come from physics or optics backgrounds and have had at least 1 year of graduate school. In fact, there are quite a few useful and practical things in this book both for component and systems designers. I have found this book to be excellent both in industry and in academic environments. I highly recommend this book.

Don't buy this book.
Contains nothing but very abstract mathematical concepts and formula derivations that would only be of interest to scientists. This book offer NO examples or PRACTICAL insight on how fiber systems actually work. Useless.

Good review of state-of-the-art of the field
I read this book studying one of the courses during my Ph.D. and it definitely belongs to my bookshelf. My only complain was that while the basic theory and concepts are given well, the very recent developments are hardly systematized, notably in the chapter on optical networks. I am not sure however if this could be done better. The book also contains a number of errors. ... Read more

Book Description

James Lighthill provides readers with a thorough analysis of sound waves, shock waves, waterwaves of all kinds, and the so called internal waves (inside atmospheres and oceans) due to intensity stratification. He emphasizes the most useful fundamental ideas of wave science, including the principles of how waves interact with flows. This work on one of the great subdivisions of fluid dynamics will be invaluable to engineers, physicists, geophysicists, applied mathematicians, and researchers concerned with wave motions or fluid flows. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

All about Waves
This book is a kind of a book that is seldom used as a text in universities, but everybody in the fields of math, physics, and engineering, has once read. The most valuable topic in this book would be the theory of aeroacoustics which is developed by the auther. Everything is fundamental, but you can learn a great deal about waves which you cannot from other books. This book is a prerequisite to anyone who wants to talk about waves in fluids. ... Read more

Book Description

Electrical Engineering/Electromagnetics Waves and Fields in Inhomogeneous Media A Volume in the IEEE Press Series on Electromagnetic Waves Donald G. Dudley, Series Editor "…it is one of the best wave propagation treatments to appear in many years." Gerardo G. Tango, CPG, Consulting Seismologist-Acoustician, Covington, LA This comprehensive text thoroughly covers fundamental wave propagation behaviors and computational techniques for waves in inhomogeneous media. The author describes powerful and sophisticated analytic and numerical methods to solve electromagnetic problems for complex media and geometry as well. Problems are presented as realistic models of actual situations which arise in the areas of optics, radio wave propagation, geophysical prospecting, nondestructive testing, biological sensing, and remote sensing. Key topics covered include:

• Analytical methods for planarly, cylindrically and spherically layered media
• Transient waves, including the Cagniard-de Hoop method
• Variational methods for the scalar wave equation and the electromagnetic wave equation
• Mode-matching techniques for inhomogeneous media
• The Dyadic Green’s function and its role in simplifying problem-solving in inhomogeneous media
• Integral equation formulations and inverse problems
• Time domain techniques for inhomogeneous media

Reviews (2)

On lateral/head wave in p.97...
The terms "lateral wave" and "head wave" for the surface wave (in p.97 regarding Eq.(2.6.5)) are quite misleading. Consult other texts for the concept of the lateral wave and head wave.

Excellent.
This intermediate-level graduate text provides a remarkably clearly thought out exposition of electromagnetic propagation in inhomogeneous media. This book is well-written, thoughtfully conceived, and carefully edited.

Dr. Chew has achieved the ideal pedagogical balance of developing and integrating key concepts and detail without spoonfeeding material. While there are no shortage of equations and mathematical derivations, the reader will be hard-pressed to find any errors or typos. (I found a single equation typo in all of Chapter 2; the book has evidently been meticulously edited.)

Great book! ... Read more

Book Description

Visual quality assessment is an interdisciplinary topic that links image/video processing, psychology and physiology. Many engineers are familiar with the image/video processing; transmission networks side of things but not with the perceptual aspects pertaining to quality. Digital Video Quality first introduces the concepts of human vision and visual quality. Based on these, specific video quality metrics are developed and their design is presented. These metrics are then evaluated and used in a number of applications, including image/video compression, transmission and watermarking.

• Introduces the concepts of human vision and vision quality.
• Presents the design and development of specific video quality metrics.
• Evaluates video quality metrics in the context of image/video compression, transmission and watermarking.
• Presents tools developed for the analysis of video quality

  ... Read more

Book Description

In their successful text, Shen and Kong cover fundamentals of static and dynamic electromagnetism fields and waves. The authors employ a unique approach, beginning with a study of Maxwell's equations and waves and covering electromagnetic fields later. This presentation allows students to work with electromagnetic concepts using relatively simple computational analysis, building in a logical progression to more complex topics and mathematical methods for analysis. The Third Edition provides computer-based problems, homework problems, end-of-chapter summaries, and a rich collection of real-world application examples that include discussion of cellular phone and microwave exposure limits set by IEEE; safety concerns about electromagnetic fields from power lines; new and powerful magnets; and single-mode optical fibers. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Garbage
This book is an absolute waste of paper. The explanations are horrible and the examples even worse. My instructor uses this book(wonder why?) and the class average is 55%. Now I am studying Smith Chart and the way those guys explain it makes me wanna burn the damned book. Do yourself a favour. Don't buy this book.

Horrible Book
I'm currently in an electromagnetics course that uses this book and this book is awful. The author cannot explain the concepts in a clear manner. The author skips parts of the explaination leaving me confused as to what he did. Also the examples in the book are not very good, an answer is given with little or no work. The book needs more examples and needs to explain the concepts much better. If you're in a course that uses this book get another book, such as Schaum's Outline of Electromagnetics. From a student point of view, this is a horrible book.

Review of Shen and Kong's book on Applied Electromagnetics
I think the main weakness of the book is the first chapter on complex vectors. This book should have emphasized on this topic somewhat more. Additionally, in the 1st chapter the vector integral calculus (Divergence, Stokes, Green's theorems) are omitted. This weakness must be corrected by the authors in its future editions.

The main aspect of this book I liked is the very straightforward introduction to Maxwell's equations. After all, it is Electromagnetic *WAVE* theory and from Maxwell's equations how the wave nature of electric and magnetic fields are being realized, is of importance. The book does not dwell on pre-requisite traditional topics such as "electrostatics" and "magnetostatics". This makes teaching of EM at the junior level much easier.

Non-traditional ordering of chapters
I just completed a junior-level course which made use of this text. Although the topics are arranged differently than in similar textbooks, I found the explainations of EM concepts quite good. The main strength is getting right to Maxwell's equations in chapter two (--after all, that's what EM is all about, right?). Maxwell's equations are explained well and at an introductory level so that the reader is not overwhelmed. The main weakness is the very underdeveloped first chapter, "Complex Vectors" which is too brief and oversimplified for the subject matter at hand. The book also presents very informative and even entertaining asides on applications, such as "anti-glare headlights" (polarization), "tails of comets" (radiation pressure) and "microwave ovens" (penetration depth). Overall, a very good first EM book.

A don't buy
This was not a good book. I found it very difficult tounderstand and learn from. It is the required text for a class I'min. I am currently looking around Amazon.com for a text to replace it. Save money. Buy something else. ... Read more