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Basics of Photonics and Optics

by Srini V. Vasan

414 pages; quality trade paperback (softcover); illustrated; catalogue #04-1945; ISBN 1-4120-4138-4; US$50.00, C$61.00, EUR39.65, £27.48

The book is inexpensive and algebra-based, suitable for post-secondary technical/vocational education. It deals with the physical concepts at the basic mathematical level for the technician student to succeed.

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about the book      about the author      excerpts      catalogue info

About the Book Basics of Photonics and Optics is an algebra-based book suitable for post-secondary technical/vocational education, as well as for high school photonics academy programs. It only requires the student to be familiar with high school algebra, geometry and some trigonometry. This book deals with just the appropriate material needed to enable a student succeed in foundation courses leading to an Associates Degree program in Photonics Technology. The book is organized as follows. Chapter 1 reviews algebra fundamentals and graphing. Chapter 2 describes characterization of a photon. Chapters 3 and 4 discuss aspects of photonics/laser safety, laser operation and types of lasers. Chapter 5 describes rectilinear propagation of light to explain reflection and refraction phenomena. Chapter 6 delves into fiber optics. Chapter 7 discusses polarization of light. Absorption and scattering of light with an emphasis on optical filters are addressed in Chapter 8. Chapter 9 describes laser gain in depth, characterizes pulsed lasers and looks at some applications. Chapters 10 and 11 pertain to geometric optics, lenses, ray tracing, aberrations and optical instruments. Chapter 12 looks at interference and diffraction phenomena in wave optics and discusses applications. The outstanding features of this book are the logical manner in which the chapters are laid out, a brief review of algebra and graphing early on in the book, conciseness, explanation of physical concepts in a simple, yet elegant fashion, numerous examples and exercises, and suggested laboratory experiments at the end of each chapter, besides its affordability. A set of thought provoking questions are provided under "Group Discussion Questions." Wherever applicable, a review of calculator use is provided. Answers to odd-numbered exercise problems are provided at the end of the book. Appendices at the end of the book provide quick reference to useful conversion factors, physical constants, general calculator review, metric prefixes and formulas useful in geometry, trigonometry and fiber optics. Also by Srini Vasan: Technical Mathematics

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About the Author The author, Srini V. Vasan, has a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Clarkson University, awarded in 1986. His dissertation was entitled, Thermal-, Photon- and Plasma-Induced Processes in Polymers. Additionally, he has a Master's degree in Social Work from the University of Texas in Austin in 1996. He has over twelve years of industrial experience in the petrochemical and electronics industries. He has over seven years of experience in teaching, of which over three years have been in various technologies at a community college. He has three patents, two in the United States and one in Europe, as well as over a dozen publications in refereed technical journals, over forty industry-internal publications and disclosures, and many presentations. Some of these publications are in excimer laser applications and photolithography.

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Excerpts

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Catalogue Information

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