The future of information technology requires ultra high speed processing and large data storage capacity. Since the electronics technology using semi conduc tors and inorganic materials is about to reach its limits, much current research is focused on utilizing much faster photons than electrons, namely photonics. To achieve any significant effect on the actual use of the science of photonics, devel opments of more efficient photonics materials, better optical property evaluations, manufacture of devices for system applications, etc. are the subjects which need to be explored. In particular, the development of photonics materials stands in the forefront of research as this constitutes the most pertinent factor with regard to the development of ultra high speed and large capacity information processing. In this respect, there has been continuous research on photo responsive materials through molecular structure design and architecture and the results so far are very promising as functions and performances are beginning to realize their high expectations. The two special volumes "Polymers for Photonics Applications" give authorita tive and critical reviews on up to date activities in various fields of photonic poly mers including their promising applications. Seven articles have been contributed by internationally recognized and they deal with, polymers for second and third order nonlinear optics, quadratic parametric interactions in polymer waveguides, electroluminescent polymers as light sources, photoreflective polymers for holo graphic information storage, and highly efficient two photon absorbing organics and polymers.

This book provides comprehensive, state-of-the art coverage of photorefractive organic compounds, a class of material with the ability to change their index of refraction upon illumination. The change is both dynamic and reversible. Dynamic because no external processing is required for the index modulation to be revealed, and reversible because the index change can be modified or suppressed by altering the illumination pattern. These properties make photorefractive materials very attractive candidates for many applications such as image restoration, correlation, beam conjugation, non-destructive testing, data storage, imaging through scattering media, holographic imaging and display. The field of photorefractive organic material is also closely related to organic photovoltaic and light emitting diode (OLED), which makes new discoveries in one field applicable to others.

This is the first of two volumes that review, for the first time, all major aspects of photorefractive effects and their applications. Photorefractive effects in electro-optic crystals are based on optically induced space-charge fields which ultimately alter the refractive indices by the electro-optic Pockels effect. The fundamental phenomena leading to photoinduced changes of refractive index, the materials requirements and experimental results on a variety of photorefractive materials are discussed and the most recent theoretical models describing these phenomena are presented. Interest in photorefractive materials has increased in recent years mainly because of their potential for nonlinear optical devices and for optical signals processing applications. Most of these applications are reviewed in the second volume devoted to this topic. The contributions to these two volumes are written by experts on each topic and are intended for scientists and engineers active in the field and for researchers and graduate students entering the field. Over 300 references to original papers on photorefractive and associated phenomena are cited.

This volume reviews the latest trends in organic optoelectronic materials. Each comprehensive chapter allows graduate students and newcomers to the field to grasp the basics, whilst also ensuring that they have the most up-to-date overview of the latest research. Topics include: organic conductors and semiconductors; conducting polymers and conjugated polymer semiconductors, as well as their applications in organic field-effect-transistors; organic light-emitting diodes; and organic photovoltaics and transparent conducting electrodes. The molecular structures, synthesis methods, physicochemical and optoelectronic properties of the organic optoelectronic materials are also introduced and described in detail. The authors also elucidate the structures and working mechanisms of organic optoelectronic devices and outline fundamental scientific problems and future research directions. This volume is invaluable to all those interested in organic optoelectronic materials.

This book combines theoretical explanations of the reactions of light and polymeric materials with development of light responsive polymeric materials for various practical applications. Photo associated reactions and light responsive materials have great potential to improve existing industrial processes, including capturing solar energy. This book presents a range of reactions and materials with some of the most exciting current and future applications.

"This text covers the fundamental aspects and the recent advances of photorefractive optics. There is a market potential for developing photorefractive (PR) optic devices for the needs of informational infrastructures. Photorefractive Optics provides an intensive background and details state-of-the-art technological applications for these needs. The book is a reference text for technical staff, research scientists, and graduate students who are working in the field."--BOOK JACKET