Although much work has been performed on measure ments and interpretation of light absorption by opaque or nearly opaque solids, it is surprising to note that until recently relatively little reliable experimental data, and much less theoretical work was available on the nature of transparent solids. This, in spite of the fact that a vast majority of engineering and device ap plications of a solid depend on its optical transparency. Needless to say, all solids are both transparent and opa que depending on the spectral region of consideration. The absorption processes that limit the transparency of a solid are either due to lattice vibrations, as in ionic or partially ionic solids, or due to electronic transi tions, both intrinsic and impurity-induced. For most materials, a sufficiently wide spectral window exists be tween these two limits, where the material is transpar ent. In general, the absorption coefficient, in the long wavelength side of, but sufficiently away from, the fun damental absorption edge, is relatively structureless and has an exponential dependence on frequency. Recent evi dence suggests that in the short wavelength side of the one-phonon region, but beyond two- or three-phonon sin gularities, the absorption coefficient of both polar and nonpolar solids is also relatively structureless and de pends exponentially on frequency.

Optical Properties of Solids covers the important concepts of intrinsic optical properties and photoelectric emission. The book starts by providing an introduction to the fundamental optical spectra of solids. The text then discusses Maxwell's equations and the dielectric function; absorption and dispersion; and the theory of free-electron metals. The quantum mechanical theory of direct and indirect transitions between bands; the applications of dispersion relations; and the derivation of an expression for the dielectric function in the self-consistent field approximation are also encompassed. The book further tackles current-current correlations; the fluctuation-dissipation theorem; and the effect of surface plasmons on optical properties and photoemission. People involved in the study of the optical properties of solids will find the book invaluable.

Provides a semi-quantitative approach to recent developments in the study of optical properties of condensed matter systems Featuring contributions by noted experts in the field of electronic and optoelectronic materials and photonics, this book looks at the optical properties of materials as well as their physical processes and various classes. Taking a semi-quantitative approach to the subject, it presents a summary of the basic concepts, reviews recent developments in the study of optical properties of materials and offers many examples and applications. Optical Properties of Materials and Their Applications, 2nd Edition starts by identifying the processes that should be described in detail and follows with the relevant classes of materials. In addition to featuring four new chapters on optoelectronic properties of organic semiconductors, recent advances in electroluminescence, perovskites, and ellipsometry, the book covers: optical properties of disordered condensed matter and glasses; concept of excitons; photoluminescence, photoinduced changes, and electroluminescence in noncrystalline semiconductors; and photoinduced bond breaking and volume change in chalcogenide glasses. Also included are chapters on: nonlinear optical properties of photonic glasses; kinetics of the persistent photoconductivity in crystalline III-V semiconductors; and transparent white OLEDs. In addition, readers will learn about excitonic processes in quantum wells; optoelectronic properties and applications of quantum dots; and more. Covers all of the fundamentals and applications of optical properties of materials Includes theory, experimental techniques, and current and developing applications Includes four new chapters on optoelectronic properties of organic semiconductors, recent advances in electroluminescence, perovskites, and ellipsometry Appropriate for materials scientists, chemists, physicists and electrical engineers involved in development of electronic materials Written by internationally respected professionals working in physics and electrical engineering departments and government laboratories Optical Properties of Materials and Their Applications, 2nd Edition is an ideal book for senior undergraduate and postgraduate students, and teaching and research professionals in the fields of physics, chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, and materials engineering.

Dynamical Properties of Solids, Volume 4: Disordered Solids, Optical Properties focuses on the lattice dynamical properties of noncrystalline and disordered solids and optical properties of crystalline solids. The selection first elaborates on the vibrational properties of amorphous solids and computer experiments and disordered solids. Topics include thermal and electrical transport, density of states, numerical methods, localization, low frequency modes, and theoretical background. The text then takes a look at the morphic effects in lattice dynamics, including normal coordinate formalism, electric-field-induced infrared absorption and Raman scattering, stress-induced changes in the phonon frequencies, and the effect of time reversal on the symmetry of the long-wavelength optical. The manuscript examines the absorption of infrared radiation by multiphonon processes in solids, as well as theoretical studies of infrared absorption in the multiphonon region and experimental studies of infrared absorption at frequencies above the characteristic lattice vibration frequencies. The selection is a dependable source of data for researchers interested in the optical properties of crystalline solids and lattice dynamical properties of noncrystalline and disordered solids.

The authors are former students and research fellows of Prof Nicolaas Bloembergen, winner of the Nobel Prize, who has pioneered three distinct fields of science: NMR, masers and nonlinear optics. Each author has contributed a paper of current interest inspired by some aspect of Prof Bloembergen's 50-year career. This volume contains a historical record of one of the great scientists of the 20th century, including a complete bibliography of his papers, four of his most significant publications and evidence of his impact on generations of scientists.

This book provides introductory, comprehensive, and concise descriptions of amorphous chalcogenide semiconductors and related materials. It includes comparative portraits of the chalcogenide and related materials including amorphous hydrogenated Si, oxide and halide glasses, and organic polymers. It also describes effects of non-equilibrium disorder, in comparison with those in crystalline semiconductors.