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Introduction to nonlinear optical effects in molecules and polymers
.I. Photochem.
Photobiol.
A: Chem.,
63 (1992)
377
377
Book Review
Introduction to nonlinear optical effects in molecules and polymers By P. N. Prasad and D. J. Williams, published 307pp, 1990, ISBN o-471-51562-0, f39.80.
by John Wiley and Sons, Inc., New York,
This book essentially deals with the non-linear optical properties of both molecular and polymeric materials used in the field of photonics. To those of us in the field of photophysics they are simply materials which provide the key to frequency conversion and optical switching processes. The multidisciplinary nature of this subject is very evident
throughout
the book which
concentrates
mainly
on the behaviaur
and properties
of such materials and devices rather than synthetic approaches. If the latter is desired then the reader should look elsewhere. However, the approach is very broad based to meet the needs of several specialized workers in this field and concentrates more on basic concepts than detailed mathematical rigour. The book contains a total of 13 chapters and begins with an introduction to the principles of linear and non-linear optics, followed by an in-depth approach to the electronic and structural aspects of such materials and how these relate to their behaviour in non-linear optics. Experimental methods are then covered, followed by a general survey of the types of materials developed to date and the properties of waveguides and optical fibres. Last, but by no means least, various device concepts are described covering frequency conversion, light modulation, optical switching, sensor protection and optical phase conjugation. The whole book is then finalized with positive conclusions on problems and future directions. Both the authors are experienced and internationally renowned workers in the field and have clearly compiled an excellent, well-balanced and very readable text on this important and still potentially expanding field of non-linear optical processes. In this regard it will, I am sure, be of immense interest to professionals in the field and especially students and scientists dealing with the optical properties of materials. For the photophysicist and photochemist it is an excellent reference book on the subject and one for the library shelf. Norman S. Allen’ Manchester Polytechnic
Elsevier
Sequoia
Photobiol.
A: Chem.,
63 (1992)
377
377
Book Review
Introduction to nonlinear optical effects in molecules and polymers By P. N. Prasad and D. J. Williams, published 307pp, 1990, ISBN o-471-51562-0, f39.80.
by John Wiley and Sons, Inc., New York,
This book essentially deals with the non-linear optical properties of both molecular and polymeric materials used in the field of photonics. To those of us in the field of photophysics they are simply materials which provide the key to frequency conversion and optical switching processes. The multidisciplinary nature of this subject is very evident
throughout
the book which
concentrates
mainly
on the behaviaur
and properties
of such materials and devices rather than synthetic approaches. If the latter is desired then the reader should look elsewhere. However, the approach is very broad based to meet the needs of several specialized workers in this field and concentrates more on basic concepts than detailed mathematical rigour. The book contains a total of 13 chapters and begins with an introduction to the principles of linear and non-linear optics, followed by an in-depth approach to the electronic and structural aspects of such materials and how these relate to their behaviour in non-linear optics. Experimental methods are then covered, followed by a general survey of the types of materials developed to date and the properties of waveguides and optical fibres. Last, but by no means least, various device concepts are described covering frequency conversion, light modulation, optical switching, sensor protection and optical phase conjugation. The whole book is then finalized with positive conclusions on problems and future directions. Both the authors are experienced and internationally renowned workers in the field and have clearly compiled an excellent, well-balanced and very readable text on this important and still potentially expanding field of non-linear optical processes. In this regard it will, I am sure, be of immense interest to professionals in the field and especially students and scientists dealing with the optical properties of materials. For the photophysicist and photochemist it is an excellent reference book on the subject and one for the library shelf. Norman S. Allen’ Manchester Polytechnic
Elsevier
Sequoia