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This book traces the evolution of our understanding and utilization of light from classical antiquity and the early thoughts of Pythagoras to the present time.
From the earliest recorded theories and experiments to the latest applications in photonic communication and computation, the ways in which light has been put to use are numerous and astounding. Indeed, some of the latest advances in light science are in fields that until recently belonged to the realm of science fiction.
The author, writing for an audience of both students and other scientifically interested readers, describes fundamental investigations of the nature of light and ongoing methods to measure its speed as well as the emergence of the wave theory of light and the complementary photon theory. The importance of light in the theory of relativity is discussed as is the development of electrically-driven light sources and lasers. The information here covers the range o
f weak single-photon light sources to super-high power lasers and synchrotron light sources.
Many cutting-edge topics are also introduced, including entanglement-based quantum communication through optical fibers and free space, quantum teleportation, and quantum computing. The nature and use of "squeezed light" - e.g. for gravitational wave detection - is another fascinating excursion, as is the topic of fabricated metamaterials, as used to create invisibility cloaks. Here the reader also learns about the realization of extremely slow speed and time-reversed light.
The theories, experiments, and applications described in this book are, whenever possible, derived from original references. The many annotated drawings and level of detail make clear the goals, procedures, and conclusions of the original investigators. Where they are required, all specialist terms and mathematical symbols are defined and explained.
The final part of the book covers light expe
riments in the free space of the cosmos, and also speculates about scenarios for the cosmological origins of light and the expected fate of the photon in a dying universe.
List of contents
Emergent Theories of Light and Measurements of Light Speed.- Light as an Electromagnetic Wave.- Light and its Application to Relativity.- The Quantum Nature of Light.- Natural and Artificial Sources of Light.- Laser Light.- Variation and Control of Light Propagation Properties.- Quantum Mechanics of the Photon.- Quantum Applications of the Photon.- Light and the Cosmos.- Lorentz contraction of a modern spacecraft.- A derivation of E = mc2.- Time dilation and muon lifetime calculations.- Derivation of Wien's displacement law from Planck's law.- Combustion-based light sources.- Multiple-laser white light illumination.- Circuit model calculations for Deutsch's algorithm.- Timeline of some notable Achievements in Light Science.- A Selection of Additional Readings.
Summary
An accessible introduction to our evolving understanding of light
Includes up-to-the minute information about quantum optics, entangled photons and other fascinating phenomena related to light
Author shares unique insights from his many years working in optics and light control
Report
"Vanderwerf (NASA) here chronicles the evolution of our understanding of the physical phenomenon of light. ... The text combines theory and experiment, balancing the two particularly well in chapters devoted to the tremendous applications of laser light and to the more recent applications in the storage and transmission of data. ... several diagrams and graphs illustrate the concepts discussed. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates and above; faculty and professionals." (N. Sadanand, Choice, Vol. 55 (9), May, 2018)
