Topology is the study of properties that remain unchanged under bending, twisting, and stretching of a system. Long important in other areas of physics, topology has recently become a vital tool in optics and photonics as well, leading to a broad range of unexpected phenomena such as knotted and linked optical vortices and topologically protected states that are immune to environmental disruption. Topology in Optics: Tying Light in Knots (Second Edition) covers the background needed to follow these developments and provides a brief survey of topological effects in optics. Assuming only a background in physics at the advanced undergraduate level, it requires no prior familiarity with topology. Revised and expanded with two new chapters. Topological Photonics and Optical Knots and Links, this will be an invaluable reference for undergraduate and graduate students as well as researchers and engineers in optics and related areas. Book jacket.

Topology is the study of properties of geometrical objects that remain invariant as the object is bent, twisted, or otherwise continuously deformed. It has been an indispensable tool in particle physics and solid state physics for decades, but in recent years it has become increasingly relevant in classical and quantum optics as well. It makes appearances through such diverse phenomena as Pancharatnam-Berry phases, optical vortices and solitons, and optical simulations of solid-state topological phenomena. This book concisely provides the necessary mathematical background needed to understand these developments and to give a rapid survey of some of the optical applications where topological issues arise.

The book focuses on the topology optimization method for nano-optics. Both principles and implementing practice have been addressed, with more weight placed on applications. This is achieved by providing an in-depth study on the major topic of topology optimization of dielectric and metal structures for nano-optics with extension to the surface structures for electromagnetics. The comprehensive and systematic treatment of practical issues in topology optimization for nano-optics is one of the major features of the book, which is particularly suited for readers who are interested to learn practical solutions in topology optimization. The book can benefit researchers, engineers, and graduate students in the fields of structural optimization, nano-optics, wave optics, electromagnetics, etc.

The book focuses on the topology optimization method for nano-optics. Both principles and implementing practice have been addressed, with more weight placed on applications. This is achieved by providing an in-depth study on the major topic of topology optimization of dielectric and metal structures for nano-optics with extension to the surface structures for electromagnetics. The comprehensive and systematic treatment of practical issues in topology optimization for nano-optics is one of the major features of the book, which is particularly suited for readers who are interested to learn practical solutions in topology optimization. The book can benefit researchers, engineers, and graduate students in the fields of structural optimization, nano-optics, wave optics, electromagnetics, etc.

Since the invention of the laser, our fascination with the photon has led to one of the most dynamic and rapidly growing fields of technology. New advances in fiber optic devices, components, and materials make it more important than ever to stay current. Comprising chapters drawn from the author's highly anticipated book Photonics: Principles and Practices, Fiber Optics: Principles and Practices offers a detailed and focused treatment for anyone in need of authoritative information on this critical area underlying photonics. Using a consistent approach, the author leads you step-by-step through each topic. Each skillfully crafted chapter first explores the theoretical concepts of each topic, and then demonstrates how these principles apply to real-world applications by guiding you through experimental cases illuminated with numerous illustrations. The book works systematically through fiber optic cables, advanced fiber optic cables, light attenuation in optical components, fiber optic cable types and installations, fiber optic connectors, passive fiber optic devices, wavelength division multiplexing, optical amplifiers, optical receivers, opto-mechanical switches, and optical fiber communications. It also includes important chapters in fiber optic lighting, fiber optics testing, and laboratory safety. Containing several topics presented for the first time in book form, Fiber Optics: Principles and Practices is simply the most modern, detailed, and hands-on text in the field.

This book discusses the computational geometry, topology and physics of digital images and video frame sequences. This trio of computational approaches encompasses the study of shape complexes, optical vortex nerves and proximities embedded in triangulated video frames and single images, while computational geometry focuses on the geometric structures that infuse triangulated visual scenes. The book first addresses the topology of cellular complexes to provide a basis for an introductory study of the computational topology of visual scenes, exploring the fabric, shapes and structures typically found in visual scenes. The book then examines the inherent geometry and topology of visual scenes, and the fine structure of light and light caustics of visual scenes, which bring into play catastrophe theory and the appearance of light caustic folds and cusps. Following on from this, the book introduces optical vortex nerves in triangulated digital images. In this context, computational physics is synonymous with the study of the fine structure of light choreographed in video frames. This choreography appears as a sequence of snapshots of light reflected and refracted from surface shapes, providing a solid foundation for detecting, analyzing and classifying visual scene shapes.