Electromagnetic and Optical Pulse Propagation 1

Microscopic Electromagnetics.- Microscopic Potentials and Radiation.- Macroscopic Electromagnetics.- Fundamental Field Equations in a Temporally Dispersive Medium.- The Angular Spectrum Representation of the Pulsed Radiation Field in a Temporally Dispersive Medium.- The Angular Spectrum Representation of Pulsed Electromagnetic and Optical Beam Fields in Temporally Dispersive Media.- Free Fields in Temporally Dispersive Media.

Kurt Oughstun is a Professor of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science in the College of Engineering & Mathematics at the University of Vermont where he was University Scholar in the Basic and Applied Sciences. A graduate of The Institute of Optics at the University of Rochester, he is a Fellow of the Optical Society of America, a member of the European Optical Society and a member of the United States National Committee of the International Union of Radio Science. His research centers on electromagnetic and optical wave theory, asymptotic methods of analysis, and computational techniques. He has published extensively on his research in these areas in such journals as the Journal of the Optical Society of America A & B, Journal of the European Optical Society A, Physical Review A & E, Physical Review Letters, IEEE Proceedings, and Radio Science.

"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. 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