The book addresses many problems of ion exchange processes in LiNbO3, LiTaO3 and KTiOPO4 ferroelectrics and II-VI semiconductor single crystals for integrated optics applications. The authors start with the fundamentals of ion exchange processes in solids (Chapter 1). Chapter 1 can be considered also as an enlarged introduction to the book. Starting with Chapter 2, the general properties of LiNbO3 and LiTaO3 crystals, the methods used to study optical waveguides in these crystals as well as advanced preparation methods of optical waveguides are reviewed. Chapters 3, 4 and 5 are devoted to recent progress in the ion exchange processes in LiNbO3, LiTaO3 and KTiOPO4 crystals, respectively, and Chapter 6 summarizes the main applications of ion-exchanged waveguides in modern integrated optics. Finally, Chapter 7 deals with recently established ion exchange processes in II-VI semiconductors.

Fibre Optics Is A Very Important Constituent Of Modern Information Technology. One Major Economic Benefit Offered By Fibre Optics Is Very High Information Transmission Rate At Low Cost Per Circuit-Km. The First Fibre Optic Telephone Link Went Public In Late 1970S. Ever Since, The Industrially Advanced Nations Around The World Have Been Striving To Deploy Fibre Optics In Almost Every Sector Of Communication Including Computer Networks And Data Links. Rarely, Since The Discovery Of Transistors, Have We Noticed Such A Fantastic Growth Rate Of A New Technology. As An Important Byproduct Of This Phenomenal Progress, A New Class Of Ultra-Sensitive Optical Sensors And Devices Based On Fibre Optics Has Emerged, Which Are Being Developed For Large Scale Use In Industrial And Biomedical Sectors. This Book Provides Semi-Tutorial Presentations Of The Fundamentals Of This Emerging Technology As Applied To Telecommunication And Sensor Development. Each Chapter, Contributed By Leading Researchers, Is Appended With A Large Number Of References To The Original Publications.The Book Is Broadly Divided Into Three Parts. The First Part Is Devoted To Propagation Effects In Optical Waveguides Including Polarization And Non-Linear Effects And Their Measurements. Fabrication And Cabling Technologies Of Optical Fibres Are Also Discussed In This Part. The Second Part Of The Book Deals With Optical Sources, Detectors, Integrated Optical Devices And System Designs Involved In Optical Communication Technology. The Last Part Of The Book Covers Topics Like Intensity Modulated And Interferometric Optical Fibre Sensors, In-Line Fibre Optic Components For Signal Processing And Multiplexing Of Optical Signals, And Application Of Fibre Optics In The Power Sector. The Extensive Coverage Should Prove Useful To Senior Undergraduate And Postgraduate Students, Researchers And Also To R & D Engineers Who Want A Tutorial Introduction To The Technologies Of Fibre Optic Telecommunication And Sensors.

The development of miniaturized and ruggedized optical circuits, containing a number of optical and perhaps also electronic components integrated on the same substrate, and performing useful optical functions - this is the goal of the key technologies for future systems of communication, of instrumenta tion, and of general signal processing; it is expected to combine and to complement the established technologies of microelectronics, optoelectronics, and fiber-optics. Today, after more than fifteen years of research on integrated optics, this goal appears to be almost within reach. The theoretical problems of 1ight propagation and of numerous forms of coupling and interactions in integrated-optical structures are generally well understood. A great variety of single components for integrated optics has been demonstrated experimen tally, and more recently also the successful integration of several compo nents on a common substrate. Laboratory operation of such integrated-optical 'chips' has been reported, e.g., for RF spectrum analysis, for high-speed analog/digital conversion, for a fiber-optic gyro, and for various high-per formance semiconductor laser sources. Before commercial fabrication and technical application of such devices can take place, however, their performance has to be further improved. Se rious technological and material problems are still to be overcome which are related to the small transverse dimensions and high optical power densities typical for integrated-optical waveguides. Progress can be expected here by further improvements and diversifications of micro-fabrication technologies and (perhaps more efficiently) by learning how to better adapt the optical structures to the existing technologies.

Applications of optical switching in network elements and communication networks are discussed in considerable depth. Optical circuits, packet, and burst switching are all included. Composed of distinct self-contained chapters with minimum overlaps and independent references. Provides up-to-date comprehensive coverage of optical switching, technologies, devices, systems and networks. Discusses applications of optical switching in network elements and communications networks.