Optical beams are electromagnetic waves that remain essentially concentrated around a mean axis upon free propagation or that are guided by suitable structures. The study of these beams has existed long ago and since then this field has been a focus of active investigation. However, in recent years, the interest on optical beams has further increased, due to the availability of many types of laser sources, characterized by very different properties, as far as their polarization, coherence, spectral content, and spatial distribution are concerned. This book contains lectures presented in the 35th International School of Quantum Electronics at the Ettore Majorana Centre in Erice, Sicily. It gives the latest coverage on the development and advance in ''''Free and Guided Optical Beams''''. The purpose of these lectures was to give an updated overview, as complete as possible, on topics concerning the propagation of light beams in free space, in materials, and in guiding structures, and to provide the tools needed to its study, both from the theoretical and the application point of view. The lectures presented here are written in extended review-like format. Both introductory fundamental topics and recent research results are reviewed, making this an indispensible book for novice as well as experts in this field. The proceedings have been selected for coverage in: . OCo Index to Scientific & Technical Proceedings- (ISTP- / ISI Proceedings). OCo Index to Scientific & Technical Proceedings (ISTP CDROM version / ISI Proceedings). OCo CC Proceedings OCo Engineering & Physical Sciences."

Optical beams are electromagnetic waves that remain essentially concentrated around a mean axis upon free propagation or that are guided by suitable structures. The study of these beams has existed long ago and since then this field has been a focus of active investigation. However, in recent years, the interest on optical beams has further increased, due to the availability of many types of laser sources, characterized by very different properties, as far as their polarization, coherence, spectral content, and spatial distribution are concerned.This book contains lectures presented in the 35th International School of Quantum Electronics at the Ettore Majorana Centre in Erice, Sicily. It gives the latest coverage on the development and advance in “Free and Guided Optical Beams”. The purpose of these lectures was to give an updated overview, as complete as possible, on topics concerning the propagation of light beams in free space, in materials, and in guiding structures, and to provide the tools needed to its study, both from the theoretical and the application point of view.The lectures presented here are written in extended review-like format. Both introductory fundamental topics and recent research results are reviewed, making this an indispensible book for novice as well as experts in this field.The proceedings have been selected for coverage in:• Index to Scientific & Technical Proceedings® (ISTP® / ISI Proceedings)• Index to Scientific & Technical Proceedings (ISTP CDROM version / ISI Proceedings)• CC Proceedings — Engineering & Physical Sciences

From science fiction death rays to supermarket scanners, lasers have become deeply embedded in our daily lives and our culture. But in recent decades the standard laser beam has evolved into an array of more specialized light beams with a variety of strange and counterintuitive properties. Some of them have the ability to reconstruct themselves after disruption by an obstacle, while others can bend in complicated shapes or rotate like a corkscrew. These unusual optical effects open new and exciting possibilities for science and technology. For example, they make possible microscopic tractor beams that pull objects toward the source of the light, and they allow the trapping and manipulation of individual molecules to construct specially-tailored nanostructures for engineering or medical use. It has even been found that beams of light can produce lines of darkness that can be tied in knots. This book is an introductory survey of these specialized light beams and their scientific applications, at a level suitable for undergraduates with a basic knowledge of optics and quantum mechanics. It provides a unified treatment of the subject, collecting together in textbook form for the first time many topics currently found only in the original research literature.

Since publication of the first edition of this text in 1998, there have been several new, important developments in the theory of beam wave propagation through a random medium, which have been incorporated into this second edition. Also new to this edition are models for the scintillation index under moderate-to-strong irradiance fluctuations; models for aperture averaging based on ABCD ray matrices; beam wander and its effects on scintillation; theory of partial coherence of the source; models of rough targets for ladar applications; phase fluctuations; analysis of other beam shapes; plus expanded analysis of free-space optical communication systems and imaging systems.

This book offers the reader a practical guide to the control and characterization of laser diode beams. Laser diodes are the most widely used lasers, accounting for 50% of the global laser market. Correct handling of laser diode beams is the key to the successful use of laser diodes, and this requires an in-depth understanding of their unique properties. Following a short introduction to the working principles of laser diodes, the book describes the basics of laser diode beams and beam propagation, including Zemax modeling of a Gaussian beam propagating through a lens. The core of the book is concerned with laser diode beam manipulations: collimating and focusing, circularization and astigmatism correction, coupling into a single mode optical fiber, diffractive optics and beam shaping, and manipulation of multi transverse mode beams. The final chapter of the book covers beam characterization methods, describing the measurement of spatial and spectral properties, including wavelength and linewidth measurement techniques. The book is a significantly revised and expanded version of the title Laser Diode Beam Basics, Manipulations and Characterizations by the same author. New topics introduced in this volume include: laser diode types and working principles, non-paraxial Gaussian beam, Zemax modeling, numerical analysis of a laser diode beam, spectral property characterization methods, and power and energy characterization techniques. The book approaches the subject in a practical way with mathematical content kept to the minimum level required, making the book a convenient reference for laser diode users.

Annotation First book on Free Space Optics (FSO) in the marketplace. Comprehensive book that covers fundamentals through benefits and deployment pit falls. First comprehensive book about FSO, written by two experts in the field. Explores FSO as an alternative to cable and fiber as last-mile solutions. Enables readers to maximize the benefits of FSO and anticipate potential deployment pitfalls. Free Space Optics begins with the fundamentals of the technology before launching into FSO topologies, deployment issues, applications, and case studies. Baksheesh Ghuman is Vice President of Marketing at LightPointe Communications, Inc. Ghuman has worked in optical and telecommunications for over 12 years, focusing on marketing, product development, and applications engineering. He holds a Master of Science in Telecommunications Management from Golden State University, San Franscisco. Dr. Heinz Willebrand is Chief Technology Officer of LightPointe Communications where he leads all of LightPointe's R&D activities in the field of free space wireless RF and high-speed optical laser communication systems. Prior to LightPointe, Dr. Willebrand was a research professor at the University of Boulder, Colorado, where he taught classes on fiber optic and wireless technologies and researched areas such as fiber optics and high-speed computer interconnections.