Nonlinear Optics

The first complete guide to nonlinear theory and practice for engineers

Nonlinear Optics is a highly accessible, applications-oriented introduction to a new and rapidly growing field. An indispensable resource for both electrical engineering students and professionals working in the telecommunications and optoelectronics industry, it:
* Treats the subject of nonlinear optics in purely classical terms for electrical engineers
* Offers numerous real-world examples clearly demonstrating the connection between theory and practical application
* Features helpful chapter-end problems and numerous examples
* Explores current and future applications of nonlinear optics in telecommunications, computers, and other fields

Due to its many applications in fiber-optic communications and optoelectronics the propagation of light through nonlinear media is an increasingly important topic among electrical engineers. Unfortunately, books geared to the specific concerns of electrical engineering students and professionals in the telecommunications and optoelectronics industry continue to be in short supply. This book is designed to fill that gap.

Nonlinear Optics is a complete, self-contained, applications-oriented introduction to the field. In an effort to make this book as accessible as possible to its intended audience, E. G. Sauter has foregone quantum mechanical descriptions, choosing instead to treat the subject of nonlinear optics in purely classical terms. He has also included numerous real-world examples that clearly demonstrate the connection between theory and practical application.

The book begins with the theoretical foundations for the practical discussions that follow. Dr. Sauter treats the basic relations between polarization and electric field strength, the different nonlinear effects of polarizations of order two and three, wave propagation of complex phasors in nonlinear media and anisotropic media, and the conservation of energy and momentum in nonlinear processes.

Over the six chapters that follow, these theories are applied to specific cases, including the linear electrooptic effects; second harmonic generation; parametric effects; four-wave mixing, including the Raman and Brillouin effects; and the optical Kerr effect. The remaining chapters present in-depth discussions of pulse propagation, solitons, and nonlinear effects in glass fibers.

Helpful problems appear at the end of each chapter, and numerous worked and unworked examples are scattered throughout the text to elucidate principles and clarify complex material.

A highly accessible, applications-oriented introduction to a new and rapidly growing field, Nonlinear Optics is an indispensable resource for both electrical engineering students and working professionals.

E. G. SAUTER, PhD, is a member of the research staff in quantum electronics at the Institute for High Frequency Technique and Quantum Electronics of the University of Karlsruhe, Germany. He has been a visiting professor at the University of Wisconsin and the Academy of Sciences of the USSR. Dr. Sauter received a doctorate in nonlinear oscillations from the University of Tübingen and an advanced degree in quantum electronics from the University of Karlsruhe.