Introduction to the Theory of Coherence and Polarization of Light
by Emil Wolf
ISBN-10: 0521822114
ISBN-13: 9780521822114
$80.99
Book Specs
Binding
Trade Cloth
Publisher
Cambridge University Press
Published on
Oct 11, 2007
Edition
1st Edition
Dimensions
6.85x0.63x9.72 Inches
Weight
1.38 Pounds
About the Book
Before the development of lasers, all available light sources, whether used in laboratories or found in nature, generated light which underwent uncontrollable fluctuations inherent in the emission process. Such fluctuations are detrimental to many applications. This effect is almost completely suppressed in laser radiation, making it possible to use lasers for a variety of applications. The underlying theory of fluctuating optical fields is known as coherence theory. Another manifestation of the fluctuations is the so-called phenomenon of polarization. This book is the first to provide a unified treatment of these two aspects of statistical optics, made possible by very recent discoveries, largely due to the author of this book. This will be of great interest to graduate students and researchers in physics and engineering in optical communications, the propagation of laser beams through fibers and through the turbulent atmosphere, and optical image formation. Each chapter contains problems to aid self-study.