Diffraction Gratings and Applications

Diffraction Gratings and Applications

Author: Erwin G. Loewen

Publisher: CRC Press

Published: 2018-10-08

Total Pages: 628

ISBN-13: 1482273713

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

"Offers and up-to-date assessment of the entire field of diffraction gratings, including history, physics, manufacture, testing, and instrument design. Furnishes--for the first time in a single-source reference--a thorough review of efficiency behavior, examining echelles as well as concave, binary, transmission, fiber, and waveguide gratings."


Book Synopsis Diffraction Gratings and Applications by : Erwin G. Loewen

Download or read book Diffraction Gratings and Applications written by Erwin G. Loewen and published by CRC Press. This book was released on 2018-10-08 with total page 628 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "Offers and up-to-date assessment of the entire field of diffraction gratings, including history, physics, manufacture, testing, and instrument design. Furnishes--for the first time in a single-source reference--a thorough review of efficiency behavior, examining echelles as well as concave, binary, transmission, fiber, and waveguide gratings."


Gratings: Theory and Numeric Applications

Gratings: Theory and Numeric Applications

Author:

Publisher: Popov, Institut Fresnel

Published:

Total Pages: 431

ISBN-13: 2853998606

DOWNLOAD EBOOK


Book Synopsis Gratings: Theory and Numeric Applications by :

Download or read book Gratings: Theory and Numeric Applications written by and published by Popov, Institut Fresnel. This book was released on with total page 431 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:


University Physics

University Physics

Author: OpenStax

Publisher:

Published: 2016-11-04

Total Pages: 622

ISBN-13: 9781680920451

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

University Physics is a three-volume collection that meets the scope and sequence requirements for two- and three-semester calculus-based physics courses. Volume 1 covers mechanics, sound, oscillations, and waves. Volume 2 covers thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, and Volume 3 covers optics and modern physics. This textbook emphasizes connections between between theory and application, making physics concepts interesting and accessible to students while maintaining the mathematical rigor inherent in the subject. Frequent, strong examples focus on how to approach a problem, how to work with the equations, and how to check and generalize the result. The text and images in this textbook are grayscale.


Book Synopsis University Physics by : OpenStax

Download or read book University Physics written by OpenStax and published by . This book was released on 2016-11-04 with total page 622 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: University Physics is a three-volume collection that meets the scope and sequence requirements for two- and three-semester calculus-based physics courses. Volume 1 covers mechanics, sound, oscillations, and waves. Volume 2 covers thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, and Volume 3 covers optics and modern physics. This textbook emphasizes connections between between theory and application, making physics concepts interesting and accessible to students while maintaining the mathematical rigor inherent in the subject. Frequent, strong examples focus on how to approach a problem, how to work with the equations, and how to check and generalize the result. The text and images in this textbook are grayscale.


Electromagnetic Theory of Gratings

Electromagnetic Theory of Gratings

Author: R. Petit

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2013-03-12

Total Pages: 297

ISBN-13: 3642815006

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

When I was a student, in the early fifties, the properties of gratings were generally explained according to the scalar theory of optics. The grating formula (which pre dicts the diffraction angles for a given angle of incidence) was established, exper imentally verified, and intensively used as a source for textbook problems. Indeed those grating properties, we can call optical properties, were taught'in a satisfac tory manner and the students were able to clearly understand the diffraction and dispersion of light by gratings. On the other hand, little was said about the "energy properties", i. e. , about the prediction of efficiencies. Of course, the existence of the blaze effect was pointed out, but very frequently nothing else was taught about the efficiency curves. At most a good student had to know that, for an eche lette grating, the efficiency in a given order can approach unity insofar as the diffracted wave vector can be deduced from the incident one by a specular reflexion on the large facet. Actually this rule of thumb was generally sufficient to make good use of the optical gratings available about thirty years ago. Thanks to the spectacular improvements in grating manufacture after the end of the second world war, it became possible to obtain very good gratings with more and more lines per mm. Nowadays, in gratings used in the visible region, a spacing small er than half a micron is common.


Book Synopsis Electromagnetic Theory of Gratings by : R. Petit

Download or read book Electromagnetic Theory of Gratings written by R. Petit and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2013-03-12 with total page 297 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: When I was a student, in the early fifties, the properties of gratings were generally explained according to the scalar theory of optics. The grating formula (which pre dicts the diffraction angles for a given angle of incidence) was established, exper imentally verified, and intensively used as a source for textbook problems. Indeed those grating properties, we can call optical properties, were taught'in a satisfac tory manner and the students were able to clearly understand the diffraction and dispersion of light by gratings. On the other hand, little was said about the "energy properties", i. e. , about the prediction of efficiencies. Of course, the existence of the blaze effect was pointed out, but very frequently nothing else was taught about the efficiency curves. At most a good student had to know that, for an eche lette grating, the efficiency in a given order can approach unity insofar as the diffracted wave vector can be deduced from the incident one by a specular reflexion on the large facet. Actually this rule of thumb was generally sufficient to make good use of the optical gratings available about thirty years ago. Thanks to the spectacular improvements in grating manufacture after the end of the second world war, it became possible to obtain very good gratings with more and more lines per mm. Nowadays, in gratings used in the visible region, a spacing small er than half a micron is common.


Modern Theory of Gratings

Modern Theory of Gratings

Author: Yuriy K. Sirenko

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2010-07-23

Total Pages: 404

ISBN-13: 1441912002

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

The advances in the theory of diffraction gratings and the applications of these results certainly determine the progress in several areas of applied science and engineering. The polarization converters, phase shifters and filters, quantum and solid-state oscillators, open quasi optical dispersive resonators and power compressors, slow-wave structures and patter forming systems, accelerators and spectrometer; that is still far from being a complete list of devices exploiting the amazing ability of periodic structures to perform controlled frequency, spatial, and polarization selection of signals. Diffraction gratings used to be and still are one of the most popular objects of analysis in electromagnetic theory. The further development of the theory of diffraction gratings, in spite of considerable achievements, is still very important presently. The requirements of applied optics and microwave engineering present the theory of diffraction gratings with many new problems which force us to search for new methods and tools for their resolution. Just in such way there appeared recently new fields, connected with the analysis, synthesis and definition of equivalent parameters of artificial materials – layers and coatings, having periodic structure and possessing features, which can be found in natural materials only in extraordinary or exceptional situations. In this book the authors present results of the electromagnetic theory of diffraction gratings that may constitute the base of further development of this theory which can meet the challenges provided by the most recent requirements of fundamental and applied science. The following issues will be considered in the book Authentic methods of analytical regularization, that perfectly match the requirements of analysis of resonant scattering of electromagnetic waves by gratings; Spectral theory of gratings, providing a reliable foundation for the analysis of spatial – frequency transformations of electromagnetic fields occurring in open periodic resonators and waveguides; Parametric Fourier method and C-method, that are oriented towards the efficient numerical analysis of transformation properties of fields in the case of arbitrary profile periodic boundary between dielectric media and multilayered conformal arrays; Rigorous methods for analysis of transient processes and time-spatial transformations of electromagnetic waves in resonant situations, based on development and incorporation in standard numerical routines of FDTD of so called explicit absorbing boundary conditions; New approaches to the solution of homogenization problems – the key problem arising in construction of metamaterials and meta surfaces; New physical results about the resonance scattering of pulse and monochromatic waves by periodic structures, including structures with chiral or left-handed materials; Methods and the results of the solutions of several actual applied problems of analysis and synthesis of pattern creating gratings, power compressors, resonance radiators of high capacity short radio pulses, open electromagnetic structures for the systems of resonant quasi optics and absorbing coatings.


Book Synopsis Modern Theory of Gratings by : Yuriy K. Sirenko

Download or read book Modern Theory of Gratings written by Yuriy K. Sirenko and published by Springer. This book was released on 2010-07-23 with total page 404 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The advances in the theory of diffraction gratings and the applications of these results certainly determine the progress in several areas of applied science and engineering. The polarization converters, phase shifters and filters, quantum and solid-state oscillators, open quasi optical dispersive resonators and power compressors, slow-wave structures and patter forming systems, accelerators and spectrometer; that is still far from being a complete list of devices exploiting the amazing ability of periodic structures to perform controlled frequency, spatial, and polarization selection of signals. Diffraction gratings used to be and still are one of the most popular objects of analysis in electromagnetic theory. The further development of the theory of diffraction gratings, in spite of considerable achievements, is still very important presently. The requirements of applied optics and microwave engineering present the theory of diffraction gratings with many new problems which force us to search for new methods and tools for their resolution. Just in such way there appeared recently new fields, connected with the analysis, synthesis and definition of equivalent parameters of artificial materials – layers and coatings, having periodic structure and possessing features, which can be found in natural materials only in extraordinary or exceptional situations. In this book the authors present results of the electromagnetic theory of diffraction gratings that may constitute the base of further development of this theory which can meet the challenges provided by the most recent requirements of fundamental and applied science. The following issues will be considered in the book Authentic methods of analytical regularization, that perfectly match the requirements of analysis of resonant scattering of electromagnetic waves by gratings; Spectral theory of gratings, providing a reliable foundation for the analysis of spatial – frequency transformations of electromagnetic fields occurring in open periodic resonators and waveguides; Parametric Fourier method and C-method, that are oriented towards the efficient numerical analysis of transformation properties of fields in the case of arbitrary profile periodic boundary between dielectric media and multilayered conformal arrays; Rigorous methods for analysis of transient processes and time-spatial transformations of electromagnetic waves in resonant situations, based on development and incorporation in standard numerical routines of FDTD of so called explicit absorbing boundary conditions; New approaches to the solution of homogenization problems – the key problem arising in construction of metamaterials and meta surfaces; New physical results about the resonance scattering of pulse and monochromatic waves by periodic structures, including structures with chiral or left-handed materials; Methods and the results of the solutions of several actual applied problems of analysis and synthesis of pattern creating gratings, power compressors, resonance radiators of high capacity short radio pulses, open electromagnetic structures for the systems of resonant quasi optics and absorbing coatings.


Fiber Bragg Gratings

Fiber Bragg Gratings

Author: Raman Kashyap

Publisher: Academic Press

Published: 2009-10-23

Total Pages: 632

ISBN-13: 9780080919911

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Provides an overview of Fiber Bragg Gratings (FBGs), from fundamentals to applications Evaluates the advantages and disadvantages of particular applications, methods and techniques Contains new chapters on sensing, femtosecond laser writing of FBGs and poling of glass and optical fibers Includes a special version of the photonic simulator PicWave(tm), allowing the reader to make live simulations of many of the example devices presented in the book. This fully revised, updated and expanded second edition covers the substantial advances in the manufacture and use of FBGs in the years since the publication of the pioneering first edition. It presents a comprehensive treatise on FBGs and addresses issues such as the merits of one solution over another; why particular fabrication methods are preferred; and what advantages a user may gain from certain techniques. Beginning with the principles of FBGs, the book progresses to discuss photosensitization of optical fibers, Bragg grating fabrication and theory, properties of gratings, specific applications, sensing technology, glass poling, advances in femtosecond laser writing of Bragg gratings and FBG measurement techniques. In addition to material on telecommunications usage of FBGs, application areas such as fiber lasers and sensors are addressed in greater detail. This special version of Picwave is limited to modelling only the passive fibre devices covered in this book. However the full PicWave package is capable of modelling other non-linear and active devices such as laser diodes and SOAs as discussed in Chapter 8. More information about PicWave can be found at www.photond.com/products/picwave.htm. In addition to researchers, scientists, and graduate students, this book will be of interest to industrial practitioners in the field of fabrication of fiber optic materials and devices. Raman Kashyap, Canada Research Chair holder on Future Photonics Systems, and Professor at École Polytechnique, University of Montréal since 2003, has researched optical fibers and devices for over 30 years. He pioneered the fabrication of FBGs and applications in telecommunications and photonics. Provides an overview of Fiber Bragg Gratings (FBGs), from fundamentals to applications Evaluates the advantages and disadvantages of particular applications, methods and techniques Contains new chapters on sensing, femtosecond laser writing of FBGs and poling of glass and optical fibers Includes a special version of the photonic simulator PicWave(tm), allowing the reader to make live simulations of many of the example devices presented in the book


Book Synopsis Fiber Bragg Gratings by : Raman Kashyap

Download or read book Fiber Bragg Gratings written by Raman Kashyap and published by Academic Press. This book was released on 2009-10-23 with total page 632 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Provides an overview of Fiber Bragg Gratings (FBGs), from fundamentals to applications Evaluates the advantages and disadvantages of particular applications, methods and techniques Contains new chapters on sensing, femtosecond laser writing of FBGs and poling of glass and optical fibers Includes a special version of the photonic simulator PicWave(tm), allowing the reader to make live simulations of many of the example devices presented in the book. This fully revised, updated and expanded second edition covers the substantial advances in the manufacture and use of FBGs in the years since the publication of the pioneering first edition. It presents a comprehensive treatise on FBGs and addresses issues such as the merits of one solution over another; why particular fabrication methods are preferred; and what advantages a user may gain from certain techniques. Beginning with the principles of FBGs, the book progresses to discuss photosensitization of optical fibers, Bragg grating fabrication and theory, properties of gratings, specific applications, sensing technology, glass poling, advances in femtosecond laser writing of Bragg gratings and FBG measurement techniques. In addition to material on telecommunications usage of FBGs, application areas such as fiber lasers and sensors are addressed in greater detail. This special version of Picwave is limited to modelling only the passive fibre devices covered in this book. However the full PicWave package is capable of modelling other non-linear and active devices such as laser diodes and SOAs as discussed in Chapter 8. More information about PicWave can be found at www.photond.com/products/picwave.htm. In addition to researchers, scientists, and graduate students, this book will be of interest to industrial practitioners in the field of fabrication of fiber optic materials and devices. Raman Kashyap, Canada Research Chair holder on Future Photonics Systems, and Professor at École Polytechnique, University of Montréal since 2003, has researched optical fibers and devices for over 30 years. He pioneered the fabrication of FBGs and applications in telecommunications and photonics. Provides an overview of Fiber Bragg Gratings (FBGs), from fundamentals to applications Evaluates the advantages and disadvantages of particular applications, methods and techniques Contains new chapters on sensing, femtosecond laser writing of FBGs and poling of glass and optical fibers Includes a special version of the photonic simulator PicWave(tm), allowing the reader to make live simulations of many of the example devices presented in the book


Applications of Nonlinear Fiber Optics

Applications of Nonlinear Fiber Optics

Author: Govind Agrawal

Publisher: Academic Press

Published: 2010-07-28

Total Pages: 528

ISBN-13: 0080568769

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

The development of new highly nonlinear fibers - referred to as microstructured fibers, holey fibers and photonic crystal fibers - is the next generation technology for all-optical signal processing and biomedical applications. This new edition has been thoroughly updated to incorporate these key technology developments. The book presents sound coverage of the fundamentals of lightwave technology, along with material on pulse compression techniques and rare-earth-doped fiber amplifiers and lasers. The extensively revised chapters include information on fiber-optic communication systems and the ultrafast signal processing techniques that make use of nonlinear phenomena in optical fibers. New material focuses on the applications of highly nonlinear fibers in areas ranging from wavelength laser tuning and nonlinear spectroscopy to biomedical imaging and frequency metrology. Technologies such as quantum cryptography, quantum computing, and quantum communications are also covered in a new chapter. This book will be an ideal reference for: R&D engineers working on developing next generation optical components; scientists involved with research on fiber amplifiers and lasers; graduate students and researchers working in the fields of optical communications and quantum information. The only book on how to develop nonlinear fiber optic applications Two new chapters on the latest developments; Highly Nonlinear Fibers and Quantum Applications Coverage of biomedical applications


Book Synopsis Applications of Nonlinear Fiber Optics by : Govind Agrawal

Download or read book Applications of Nonlinear Fiber Optics written by Govind Agrawal and published by Academic Press. This book was released on 2010-07-28 with total page 528 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The development of new highly nonlinear fibers - referred to as microstructured fibers, holey fibers and photonic crystal fibers - is the next generation technology for all-optical signal processing and biomedical applications. This new edition has been thoroughly updated to incorporate these key technology developments. The book presents sound coverage of the fundamentals of lightwave technology, along with material on pulse compression techniques and rare-earth-doped fiber amplifiers and lasers. The extensively revised chapters include information on fiber-optic communication systems and the ultrafast signal processing techniques that make use of nonlinear phenomena in optical fibers. New material focuses on the applications of highly nonlinear fibers in areas ranging from wavelength laser tuning and nonlinear spectroscopy to biomedical imaging and frequency metrology. Technologies such as quantum cryptography, quantum computing, and quantum communications are also covered in a new chapter. This book will be an ideal reference for: R&D engineers working on developing next generation optical components; scientists involved with research on fiber amplifiers and lasers; graduate students and researchers working in the fields of optical communications and quantum information. The only book on how to develop nonlinear fiber optic applications Two new chapters on the latest developments; Highly Nonlinear Fibers and Quantum Applications Coverage of biomedical applications


Holographic Materials and Optical Systems

Holographic Materials and Optical Systems

Author: Izabela Naydenova

Publisher: BoD – Books on Demand

Published: 2017-03-22

Total Pages: 520

ISBN-13: 9535130374

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Holographic Materials and Optical Systems covers recent research achievements in the areas of volume holographic optical elements and systems, development of functionalized holographic recording materials, and applications in holographic imaging and metrology. Designs of single and multiplexed volume holographic optical elements for laser beam shaping, combining, and redirection are covered, and their properties are studied theoretically and experimentally. The high impact of holography in imaging and metrology is demonstrated by applications spreading from thickness and surface measurements, through antenna metrology and analyzing high-density gradients in fluid mechanics to characterization of live objects in clinical diagnostics. Novel functionalized materials used in dynamic or permanent holographic recording cover photopolymers, photochromics, photo-thermo-refractive glasses, and hybrid organic-inorganic media.


Book Synopsis Holographic Materials and Optical Systems by : Izabela Naydenova

Download or read book Holographic Materials and Optical Systems written by Izabela Naydenova and published by BoD – Books on Demand. This book was released on 2017-03-22 with total page 520 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Holographic Materials and Optical Systems covers recent research achievements in the areas of volume holographic optical elements and systems, development of functionalized holographic recording materials, and applications in holographic imaging and metrology. Designs of single and multiplexed volume holographic optical elements for laser beam shaping, combining, and redirection are covered, and their properties are studied theoretically and experimentally. The high impact of holography in imaging and metrology is demonstrated by applications spreading from thickness and surface measurements, through antenna metrology and analyzing high-density gradients in fluid mechanics to characterization of live objects in clinical diagnostics. Novel functionalized materials used in dynamic or permanent holographic recording cover photopolymers, photochromics, photo-thermo-refractive glasses, and hybrid organic-inorganic media.


Fringe 2013

Fringe 2013

Author: Wolfgang Osten

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2013-08-15

Total Pages: 975

ISBN-13: 3642363598

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

In continuation of the FRINGE Workshop Series this Proceeding contains all contributions presented at the 7. International Workshop on Advanced Optical Imaging and Metrology. The FRINGE Workshop Series is dedicated to the presentation, discussion and dissemination of recent results in Optical Imaging and Metrology. Topics of particular interest for the 7. Workshop are: - New methods and tools for the generation, acquisition, processing, and evaluation of data in Optical Imaging and Metrology (digital wavefront engineering, computational imaging, model-based reconstruction, compressed sensing, inverse problems solution) - Application-driven technologies in Optical Imaging and Metrology (high-resolution, adaptive, active, robust, reliable, flexible, in-line, real-time) - High-dynamic range solutions in Optical Imaging and Metrology (from macro to nano) - Hybrid technologies in Optical Imaging and Metrology (hybrid optics, sensor and data fusion, model-based solutions, multimodality) - New optical sensors, imaging and measurement systems (integrated, miniaturized, in-line, real-time, traceable, remote) Special emphasis is put on new strategies, taking into account the active combination of physical modeling, computer aided simulation and experimental data acquisition. In particular attention is directed towards new approaches for the extension of existing resolution limits that open the gates to wide-scale metrology, ranging from macro to nano, by considering dynamic changes and using advanced optical imaging and sensor systems.


Book Synopsis Fringe 2013 by : Wolfgang Osten

Download or read book Fringe 2013 written by Wolfgang Osten and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2013-08-15 with total page 975 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In continuation of the FRINGE Workshop Series this Proceeding contains all contributions presented at the 7. International Workshop on Advanced Optical Imaging and Metrology. The FRINGE Workshop Series is dedicated to the presentation, discussion and dissemination of recent results in Optical Imaging and Metrology. Topics of particular interest for the 7. Workshop are: - New methods and tools for the generation, acquisition, processing, and evaluation of data in Optical Imaging and Metrology (digital wavefront engineering, computational imaging, model-based reconstruction, compressed sensing, inverse problems solution) - Application-driven technologies in Optical Imaging and Metrology (high-resolution, adaptive, active, robust, reliable, flexible, in-line, real-time) - High-dynamic range solutions in Optical Imaging and Metrology (from macro to nano) - Hybrid technologies in Optical Imaging and Metrology (hybrid optics, sensor and data fusion, model-based solutions, multimodality) - New optical sensors, imaging and measurement systems (integrated, miniaturized, in-line, real-time, traceable, remote) Special emphasis is put on new strategies, taking into account the active combination of physical modeling, computer aided simulation and experimental data acquisition. In particular attention is directed towards new approaches for the extension of existing resolution limits that open the gates to wide-scale metrology, ranging from macro to nano, by considering dynamic changes and using advanced optical imaging and sensor systems.


Optical Systems for Soft X Rays

Optical Systems for Soft X Rays

Author: A.G. Michette

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2012-12-06

Total Pages: 338

ISBN-13: 1461322235

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

A fundamental problem in cell biology is the cause of aging. The solution to this problem has not yet been obtained because,(l) until recently, it was not possible to image living cells directly. The use of low-energy (soft) X rays has made such imaging possible, perhaps thereby allowing the aging process to be understood and possibly overcome (a result that may well generate further social, moral, and ethical problems). Fortun ately this is not the only aspect of cell biology amenable to soft X-ray imaging, and it is envisaged that many less controversial studies--such as investigations of the detailed differences between healthy and diseased or malignant cells (in their natural states) and processes of cell division and growth-will be made possible. The use of soft X rays is not limited to biological studies-many applications are possible in, for example, fusion research, materials science, and astronomy. Such studies have only recently begun in earnest because several difficulties had to be overcome, major among these being the lack (for some purposes) of sufficiently intense sources, and the technological difficulties associated with making efficient optical systems. As is well known, the advent of dedicated synchrotron radiation sources, in particular, has alleviated the first of these difficulties, not just for the soft X-ray region. It is the purpose of this book to consider progress in the second.


Book Synopsis Optical Systems for Soft X Rays by : A.G. Michette

Download or read book Optical Systems for Soft X Rays written by A.G. Michette and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2012-12-06 with total page 338 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A fundamental problem in cell biology is the cause of aging. The solution to this problem has not yet been obtained because,(l) until recently, it was not possible to image living cells directly. The use of low-energy (soft) X rays has made such imaging possible, perhaps thereby allowing the aging process to be understood and possibly overcome (a result that may well generate further social, moral, and ethical problems). Fortun ately this is not the only aspect of cell biology amenable to soft X-ray imaging, and it is envisaged that many less controversial studies--such as investigations of the detailed differences between healthy and diseased or malignant cells (in their natural states) and processes of cell division and growth-will be made possible. The use of soft X rays is not limited to biological studies-many applications are possible in, for example, fusion research, materials science, and astronomy. Such studies have only recently begun in earnest because several difficulties had to be overcome, major among these being the lack (for some purposes) of sufficiently intense sources, and the technological difficulties associated with making efficient optical systems. As is well known, the advent of dedicated synchrotron radiation sources, in particular, has alleviated the first of these difficulties, not just for the soft X-ray region. It is the purpose of this book to consider progress in the second.