Novel Optical Materials and Applications

This book is formed from the `fall out' of the Second Mediterranean Workshop and Topical Meeting on Novel Optical Materials and Applications. The editors have primarily aimed this work as a reference text for a broad spectrum of research scientists both in academia and industry. Consisting of eleven chapters, the book does as the title suggests and exposes the reader to a variety of materials ranging from `conventional' organic materials for applications such as second harmonic generation to more esoteric materials exhibiting optical limiting behaviour via the phenomenon of reverse saturable absorption. Methods are described for preparation of all the novel materials covering areas such as crystal growth techniques and sample configuration for exploitation in envisaged optical devices. In conjunction with this, the authors manage to describe a wide range of nonlinear optical measurements and experimental methods used for study. This is done in a manner that is generally useful to both experienced researchers and those who are venturing into this field for the first time. Although a fair amount of prior knowledge is assumed, the topics covered do expand from basic concepts to include some of the more recent discoveries, making it reasonably easy to assimilate the updated information. Concentrating mainly on experimental aspects of nonlinear optics, excursions are made into the theoretical domain, including the world of quantum optics, thereby providing a refreshing change. Throughout the book, attempts are made to show the applicability of this technology to the real world. Not surprisingly, therefore, the reader is referred to the concept of all optical communications. Bearing in mind the origins of this work, a good attempt has been made at providing a book that somewhat lives up to the original aim envisaged by the editors and therefore should be a useful addition to the bookshelf of anyone involved in this sphere.