In the past few years there has been much study of random two dimensional surfaces. These provide simple models of string theories with a few degrees of freedom, as well as toy models of quantum gravity. They have possible applications to the statistical mechanics of phase boundaries and to the development of an effective string description of QCD.Recently, methods have been developed to treat these theories nonperturbatively, based on discrete triangulations of the surfaces that can be generated by simple matrix models. Exact solutions with a rich mathematical structure have emerged. All these matters are discussed fully in this book.

Part 1: SCATTERING OF WAVES BY MACROSCOPIC TARGET -- Interdisciplinary aspects of wave scattering -- Acoustic scattering -- Acoustic scattering: approximate methods -- Electromagnetic wave scattering: theory -- Electromagnetic wave scattering: approximate and numerical methods -- Electromagnetic wave scattering: applications -- Elastodynamic wave scattering: theory -- Elastodynamic wave scattering: Applications -- Scattering in Oceans -- Part 2: SCATTERING IN MICROSCOPIC PHYSICS AND CHEMICAL PHYSICS -- Introduction to direct potential scattering -- Introduction to Inverse Potential Scattering -- Visible and Near-visible Light Scattering -- Practical Aspects of Visible and Near-visible Light Scattering -- Nonlinear Light Scattering -- Atomic and Molecular Scattering: Introduction to Scattering in Chemical -- X-ray Scattering -- Neutron Scattering -- Electron Diffraction and Scattering -- Part 3: SCATTERING IN NUCLEAR PHYSICS -- Nuclear Physics -- Part 4: PARTICLE SCATTERING -- State of the Art of Peturbative Methods -- Scattering Through Electro-weak Interactions (the Fermi Scale) -- Scattering Through Strong Interactions (the Hadronic or QCD Scale) -- Part 5: SCATTERING AT EXTREME PHYSICAL SCALES -- Scattering at Extreme Physical Scales -- Part 6: SCATTERING IN MATHEMATICS AND NON-PHYSICAL SCIENCES -- Relations with Other Mathematical Theories -- Inverse Scattering Transform and Non-linear Partial Differenttial Equations -- Scattering of Mathematical Objects.

The contributors to the book are world best experts in the optics of random media; they provide a state-of-the-art review of recent developments in the field including nonlinear optical and magneto-optical properties, Raman and hyper-Raman scattering, laser action, plasmon excitation and localized giant fields, imaging and spectroscopy of random media

Science and engineering have been great sources of problems and inspiration for generations of mathematicians. This is probably true now more than ever as numerous challenges in science and technology are met by mathematicians. One of these challenges is understanding propagation of waves of different nature in systems of complex structure. This book contains the proceedings of the research conference, ``Waves in Periodic and Random Media''. Papers are devoted to a number of related themes, including spectral theory of periodic differential operators, Anderson localization and spectral theory of random operators, photonic crystals, waveguide theory, mesoscopic systems, and designer random surfaces. Contributions are written by prominent experts and are of interest to researchers and graduate students in mathematical physics.

Designer Surfaces presents an approach to the design and fabrication of optical elements that are based on the use of one- or two-dimensional randomly rough surfaces to reflect or transmit light in specified ways. The reader is provided with an introduction to analytical methods for the solution of direct problems in rough surface scattering, and fabrication techniques. These can be useful in contexts outside the scope of this book. The advantages and disadvantages of this stochastic approach compared to the diffractive optics approach are discussed. Finally, experimental results that verify the predictions of the theories developed in this book are presented. Authority of authors The only book on the topic Derivations are given in detail, with many figures illustrating results

Optics has become one of the most dynamic fields of science since the first volume of Progress in Optics was published, forty years ago. At the time of inception of this series, the first lasers were only just becoming operational, holography was in its infancy, subjects such as fiber optics, integrated optics and optoelectronics did not exist and quantum optics was the domain of only a few physicists. The term photonics had not yet been coined. Today these fields are flourishing and have become areas of specialisation for many science and engineering students and numerous research workers and engineers throughout the world. Some of the advances in these fields have been recognized by awarding Nobel prizes to seven physicists in the last twenty years. The volumes in this series which have appeared up to now contain 240 review articles by distinguished research workers, which have become permanent records for many important developments. They have helped optical scientists and optical engineers to stay abreast of their fields. There is no sign that developments in optics are slowing down or becoming less interesting. We confidently expect that, just like their predecessors, future volumes of Progress in Optics will faithfully record the most important advances that are being made in optics and related fields.