Nonlinear optical studies of periodic dielectric structures have blossomed in the past two decades. New fabrication techniques are producing fiber grating and multidimensional photonic crystals in materials where the refractive index can be varied by light pulses and beams. Gap solitons that can propagate at any velocity from zero to the speed of light and spatial solitons that prevent the diffractive spread of light in waveguide arrays are two examples of the new phenomena described in this book. Many new materials and structures are being developed that will impact new optical devices with applications in optical communications and optical data processing. All the above topics are addressed in detail in this book.

The study of dark matter, in both astrophysics and particle physics, has emerged as one of the most active and exciting topics of research in recent years. This book reviews the history behind the discovery of missing mass (or unseen mass) in the Universe, and ties this into the proposed extensions to the Standard Model of Particle Physics (such as Supersymmetry), which were being proposed within the same time frame. This book is written as an introduction to these problems at the forefront of astrophysics and particle physics, with the goal of conveying the physics of dark matter to beginning undergraduate majors in scientific fields. The book goes onto describe existing and upcoming experiments and techniques, which will be used to detect dark matter either directly on indirectly.

Jet physics is an incredibly rich subject detailing the narrow cone of hadrons and other particles produced by the hadronization of a quark or gluon in a particle physics or heavy ion experiment. This book is a general overview of jet physics for scientists not directly involved in the field. It presents the basic experimental and theoretical problems arising when dealing with jets, and describing the solutions proposed in recent years.

Since the invention of the first laser 30 years ago, the frequency conversion of laser radiation in nonlinear optical crystals has become an important technique widely used in quantum electronics and laser physics for solving various scientific and engineering problems. The fundamental physics of three-wave light interactions in nonlinear optical crystals is now largely understood. This has enabled the production of the various harmonic generators, sum and difference frequency generators, and parametric oscillators based on nonlinear crystals that are now commercially available. At the same time, scientists continue an active search for novel high-efficiency optical materials. Therefore, in our opinion, there is a great need for a handbook of nonlinear optical crystals, intended for specialists and practitioners with an engineering background. This book contains a complete description of the properties and applications of all nonlinear crystals reported in the literature up to the beginning of 1990. In addition, it contains the most important equations for calculating the main parameters (such as phase-matching direction, effective non-linearity, and conversion efficiency) of nonlinear frequency converters.

In recent decades, there has been a phenomenal growth in the field of photonic crystal research and has emerged as an interdisciplinary area. Photonic crystals are usually nanostructured electromagnetic media consisting of periodic variation of dielectric constant, which prohibit certain electromagnetic wave frequency ranges called photonic bandgaps to propagate through them. Photonic crystals elicited numerous interesting features by unprecedented control of light and their exploitation is a promising tool in nanophotonics and designing optical components. The book ‘Advances in Photonic Crystals and Devices’ is designed with 15 chapters with introductory as well as research and application based contents. It covers the following highlighted features: Basics of photonic crystals and photonic crystal fibers Different theoretical as well as experimental approaches Current research advances from around the globe Nonlinear optics and super-continuum generation in photonic crystal fibers Magnetized cold plasma photonic crystals Liquid crystal defect embedded with graphene layers Biophysics and biomedical applications as optical sensors Two-dimensional photonic crystal demultiplexer Optical logic gates using photonic crystals A large number of references The goal of this book is to draw the background in understanding, fabrication and characterization of photonic crystals using a variety of materials and their applications in design of several optical devices. Though the book is useful as a reference for the researchers working in the area of photonics, optical computing and fabrication of nanophotonic devices, it is intended for the beginners like students pursuing their masters’ degree in photonics.

Introduction to Nonlinear Optics of Photonic Crystals and Metamaterials, Second Edition presents concise examples illustrating the basic principles of the field, embedding a discussion of current and future device applications in a theoretical account of the non-linear behaviour of light at nanoscale to produce an informative and authoritative introduction to the subject for students trying to advance rapidly amongst the vanguard of modern applied physics and engineering. Pitched at an accessible level, this survey of some of the most important fundamentals of the field is ideal for researchers, undergraduate and graduate students, as well as self-taught students looking to expand their field of interest. Key Features: Provides reference to the current research literature to facilitate the reader with pursuing topics within the field. Suitable for self-study students. Includes concise presentations which focuses on the essential basic principle of the field. Discusses a review of current device applications. Presents the principles of photonic crystals and metamaterials and their applications at a basic level.