Optical Waves in Layered Media

Book excerpt: Optical Waves in Layered Media presents a clear picture of the propagation of optical waves in layered media and teaches the reader how to design and analyze optical devices using such media. Starting from the simplest case of plane wave propagation in homogeneous media, the author introduces a new matrix method for studying the optical properties of multilayer structures consisting of isotropic materials. He then describes propagation in anisotropic layered media and in inhomogeneous layers, guided waves, the coupling of modes, and the optical properties of superlattices and quantum wells. Optical Waves in Layered Media bridges the gap between theory and practice by means of numerical examples based on real-life situations.