Optical Materials

Optical Materials, Second Edition, presents, in a unified form, the underlying physical and structural processes that determine the optical behavior of materials. It does this by combining elements from physics, optics, and materials science in a seamless manner, and introducing quantum mechanics when needed. The book groups the characteristics of optical materials into classes with similar behavior. In treating each type of material, the text pays particular attention to atomic composition and chemical makeup, electronic states and band structure, and physical microstructure so that the reader will gain insight into the kinds of materials engineering and processing conditions that are required to produce a material exhibiting a desired optical property. The physical principles are presented on many levels, including a physical explanation, followed by formal mathematical support and examples and methods of measurement. The reader may overlook the equations with no loss of comprehension, or may use the text to find appropriate equations for calculations of optical properties. Includes a fundamental description of optical materials at the beginner and advanced levels Provides a thorough coverage of the field and presents new concepts in an easy to understand manner that combines written explanations and equations Serves as a valuable toolbox of applications and equations for the working reader

For years scientists turned to the CRC Handbook of Laser Science & Technology for reliable data on optical materials. Out of print for several years, that standard-setting work now has a successor: the Handbook of Optical Materials. This new handbook is an authoritative compilation of the physical properties of materials used in all types of lasers and optical systems. In it, scientist, author, and editor Dr. Marvin J. Weber provides extensive data tabulations and references for the most important optical materials, including crystals, glasses, polymers, metals, liquids, and gases. The properties detailed include both linear and nonlinear optical properties, mechanical properties, thermal properties together with many additional special properties, such as electro-, magneto-, and elasto-optic properties. Using a minimum of narration and logically organized by material properties, the handbook's unique presentation simplifies the process of comparing different materials for their suitability in particular applications. Appendices furnish a wealth of other useful information, including lists of the many abbreviations and acronyms that proliferate in this field. The Handbook of Optical Materials is simply the most complete one-stop source available for materials data essential to lasers and optical systems.

The definition of optical material has expanded in recent years, largely because of IT advances that have led to rapid growth in optoelectronics applications. Helping to explain this evolution, Optical Materials and Applications presents contributions from leading experts who explore the basic concepts of optical materials and the many typical applications in which they are used. An invaluable reference for readers ranging from professionals to technical managers to graduate engineering students, this book covers everything from traditional principles to more cutting-edge topics. It also details recent developmental trends, with a focus on basic optical properties of material. Key topics include: Fundamental optical properties of solids Fundamental optical materials (including thin films) from both linear and nonlinear perspectives Use of bulk materials in the design of various modifications Application of optical thin films in artificial components Formation of artificial structures with sub-wavelength dimensions Use of physical or chemical techniques to control lightwave phase One-, two-, and three-dimensional structures used to control dispersion of materials for nanophotonics Progress of the optical waveguide, which makes optical systems more compact and highly efficient This book carefully balances coverage of theory and application of typical optical materials for ultraviolet, visible and infrared, non-linear optics, solid state lasers, optical waveguides, optical thin films and nanophotonics. It addresses both basic ideas and more advanced topics, making it an equally invaluable resource for beginners and active researchers in this growing field.

This unique book provides the optics designer and user with the latest advances on materials used as optical elements in systems and devices—in one convenient volume. Presenting fundamental performance requirements, basic characteristics, principles of fabrication, possibilities for new or modified optical materials, and key characterization data, this outstanding source facilitates optical materials selection and application. Comprehensive and thorough, this reference offers a broad review of old and new optical materials such as glasses, crystalline materials, plastics, and coatings... contains specific optical and characterization information useful for preliminary calculations ... and explains processes used to manufacture optical materials, giving insight into possible modifications of materials caused by process variations. Plus, this practical text includes a glossary of terms for a basic understanding, numerous illustrations for a clear perspective, and references for easy access to related material. This single-source volume is ideal for optical system/device designers and developers; design and development engineers; materials engineers; physical measurements engineers; test engineers, optics designers, and optics engineers; professional seminars; and undergraduate- and graduate-level students in optical and materials sciences courses.

Provides a semi-quantitative approach to recent developments in the study of optical properties of condensed matter systems Featuring contributions by noted experts in the field of electronic and optoelectronic materials and photonics, this book looks at the optical properties of materials as well as their physical processes and various classes. Taking a semi-quantitative approach to the subject, it presents a summary of the basic concepts, reviews recent developments in the study of optical properties of materials and offers many examples and applications. Optical Properties of Materials and Their Applications, 2nd Edition starts by identifying the processes that should be described in detail and follows with the relevant classes of materials. In addition to featuring four new chapters on optoelectronic properties of organic semiconductors, recent advances in electroluminescence, perovskites, and ellipsometry, the book covers: optical properties of disordered condensed matter and glasses; concept of excitons; photoluminescence, photoinduced changes, and electroluminescence in noncrystalline semiconductors; and photoinduced bond breaking and volume change in chalcogenide glasses. Also included are chapters on: nonlinear optical properties of photonic glasses; kinetics of the persistent photoconductivity in crystalline III-V semiconductors; and transparent white OLEDs. In addition, readers will learn about excitonic processes in quantum wells; optoelectronic properties and applications of quantum dots; and more. Covers all of the fundamentals and applications of optical properties of materials Includes theory, experimental techniques, and current and developing applications Includes four new chapters on optoelectronic properties of organic semiconductors, recent advances in electroluminescence, perovskites, and ellipsometry Appropriate for materials scientists, chemists, physicists and electrical engineers involved in development of electronic materials Written by internationally respected professionals working in physics and electrical engineering departments and government laboratories Optical Properties of Materials and Their Applications, 2nd Edition is an ideal book for senior undergraduate and postgraduate students, and teaching and research professionals in the fields of physics, chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, and materials engineering.

Organic Nonlinear Optical Materials provides an extensive description of the preparation and characterization of organic materials for applications in nonlinear and electro-optics. The book discusses the fundamental optimization and practical limitations of a number of figures of merit for various optical parameters and gives a clinical appraisal of the potential of organic materials for applicators in optical technology. Among the topics addressed are the basic molecular design of ;nonlinear optical chromophores, fundamentals and novel techniques of organic crystal growth, preparation and characterization of Langmuir-Blodgett and polymer films, experimental methods for determining microscopic and macroscopic optical properties. Also included is a discussion of first results of the photorefractive effect in organic crystals and the potential of organics for photorefractive applications, as well as an extensive review of published linear and nonlinear optical measurement of organic materials.

This book includes a comprehensive presentation of the fundamental physics of optical matter, the definition of material physical properties, the listing and comparison of the physical properties of infrared optical materials, and the theory, design, and survey of infrared optical coatings.

Aimed at researchers and graduate students, this book provides up-to-date information about the electronic interactions that impact the optical properties of rare earth ions in solids. Its goal is to establish a connection between fundamental principles and the materials properties of rare-earth activated luminescent and laser optical materials. The theoretical survey and introduction to spectroscopic properties covers electronic energy level structure, intensities of optical transitions, ion-phonon interactions, line broadening, and energy transfer and up-conversion. An important aspect of the book lies in its deep and detailed discussions of materials properties and the potential of new applications such as optical storage, information processing, nanophotonics, and molecular probes that have been identified in recent experimental studies. This volume will be a valuable reference book on advanced topics of rare earth spectroscopy and materials science.