Supplies readers with the basic knowledge and guidance for the application of new lasers and light-emitting devices. The first part of the book discusses the generation of sub-shot-noise light in macroscopic pn junction light emitting devices, the second part is on the application of squeezed light in high-precision measurement, the third part concerns the Coulomb blockade effect in a mesoscopic pn junction and generation of single photon states, and the last part is on the detection of single photons using a visible light photon counter.

In this Chapter, we summarize the current status and future prospects of a number of novel semiconductor-based single-photon detectors, including visible-light photon counters (VLPCs), solid-state photo-multipliers (SSPMs), and quantum-dot-based detectors. SSPMs and VLPCs utilize the gain produced by impact ionization of the impurity band to detect single photons over a wide wavelength range between 0.4 and 28. Quantum-dot-based single-photon detectors use photoconductive gain associated with photogenerated carriers trapped in quantum dots. We cover the basic operating principles of these devices, describe experimental results that demonstrate their unique attributes, present mathematical models that quantify their performance, and discuss the future of these novel detector technologies.

Explains in detail the basics, theory, design, fabrication, and operation of vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers. All the chapters are written by pioneers and key experts who have exclusive access to the most up-to-date innovations in the respective fields.

Physics of Optoelectronics focuses on the properties of optical fields and their interaction with matter. Understanding that lasers, LEDs, and photodetectors clearly exemplify this interaction, the author begins with an introduction to lasers, LEDs, and the rate equations, then describes the emission and detection processes. The book summarizes and reviews the mathematical background of the quantum theory embodied in the Hilbert space. These concepts highlight the abstract form of the linear algebra for vectors and operators, supplying the "pictures" that make the subject more intuitive. A chapter on dynamics includes a brief review of the formalism for discrete sets of particles and continuous media. It also covers the quantum theory necessary for the study of optical fields, transitions, and semiconductor gain. This volume supplements the description of lasers and LEDs by examining the fundamental nature of the light that these devices produce. It includes an analysis of quantized electromagnetic fields and illustrates inherent quantum noise in terms of Poisson and sub-Poisson statistics. It explains matter-light interaction in terms of time-dependent perturbation theory and Fermi's golden rule, and concludes with a detailed discussion of semiconductor emitters and detectors.

From the invention of eyeglasses to the Internet, this three-volume set examines the pivotal effects of inventions on society, providing a fascinating history of technology and innovations in the United States from the earliest European colonization to the present. Technical Innovation in American History surveys the history of technology, documenting the chronological and thematic connections between specific inventions, technological systems, individuals, and events that have contributed to the history of science and technology in the United States. Covering eras from colonial times to the present day in three chronological volumes, the entries include innovations in fields such as architecture, civil engineering, transportation, energy, mining and oil industries, chemical industries, electronics, computer and information technology, communications (television, radio, and print), agriculture and food technology, and military technology. The A–Z entries address key individuals, events, organizations, and legislation related to themes such as industry, consumer and medical technology, military technology, computer technology, and space science, among others, enabling readers to understand how specific inventions, technological systems, individuals, and events influenced the history, cultural development, and even self-identity of the United States and its people. The information also spotlights how American culture, the U.S. government, and American society have specifically influenced technological development.

The first comprehensive book on thin-film solar cells, potentially a key technology for solving the energy production problem in the 21st century in an environmentally friendly way. It covers a wide range of scientific and technological aspects of thin film semiconductors - deposition technologies, growth mechanisms and the basic properties of amorphous and nano-crystalline silicon - as well as the optimum design theory and device physics of high-efficiency solar cells, especially of single-junction and multi-junction solar cells. The development of large-area solar cell modules using single and multi-junction solar cells is also considered. Examples of recent photovoltaic systems are presented and analysed.