Electromagnetic and Optical Pulse Propagation 1

Rezensionen / Stimmen

"These volumes are a veritable tour de force of optics writing. The topic they cover is one of immense importance, and the treatment it is accorded by this single author is both rigorous and comprehensive. The author's dedication in marshalling more than 1,200 pages of material is to be lauded. The work is a graduate-level text, and its contents will meet the requirements of a broad spectrum of scientists and engineers who require access to the methodologies underpinning pulse propagation. Both volumes include exercises that should ensure that the reader can test their understanding of the material presented. One minor difference between the volumes is the use of different paper finish for the production: acid-free matte for volume 1 and glossy for volume 2. No obvious reason accounts for this distinciton. There is the isolated misprint in the books, but overall the quality of production and presentation is very high. Having a mathematical pedigree, this reviewer was particularly drawn to the expositions of asymptotic approximations presented in volume 2, where potentially challenging techniques are carefully derived and illustrated with well-chosen figures. The wise use of dedicated chapters and sections to highlight particular approaches is strongly conducive to learning the chosen techniques. However, these volumes do not present mathematical abstractions of electromagnetic theory. The work is firmly rooted in physical understanding and ultimately directed at real-world applications. It can be confidently expected that those who have the opportunity to benefit from the industry of the books' author will be able to contribute significantly to current and emerging applications of pulse propagation." (K. Alan Shore, OPN Optics & Photonics News, June, 2010)