Optical Spectroscopy of Inorganic Solids

B. Henderson and G. F. Imbusch

Monographs on the Physics and Chemistry of Materials

The beautiful colors of many inorganic compounds, including minerals and gemstones, as well as the mysterious cold light of luminescence emitted by these materials, have attracted the inquisitiveness of natural philosophers for centuries. The scientific study of such phenomena - the optical spectroscopy of solids - has paid rich dividends in technological advances such as lasers and other optronic devices. This is a book on the art of optical spectroscopy of solids, establishing a theoretical and experimental framework for the subject, which is well illustrated with relevant spectra and experimental data.

Optical Spectroscopy of Inorganic Solids

B. Henderson and G. F. Imbusch

Monographs on the Physics and Chemistry of Materials

Description

The beautiful colors of many inorganic compounds, including minerals and gemstones, as well as the mysterious cold light of luminescence emitted by these materials, have attracted the inquisitiveness of natural philosophers for centuries. The scientific study of such phenomena - the optical spectroscopy of solids - has paid rich dividends in technological advances such as lasers and other optronic devices. This is a book on the art of optical spectroscopy of solids, establishing a theoretical and experimental framework for the subject, which is well illustrated with relevant spectra and experimental data.

Chapters 1 to 5 set down the quantum description of atoms, ions and defects in solids, and the interaction of such centers with electromagnetic radiation. Considerations of symmetry and the effects of lattice vibrations on the spectroscopic properties are treated in detail. The physical bases of prominent experimental techniques are presented in Chapter 6 and their application to color centers, dopant rare-earth and transition-metal ions are described in Chapters 7 -9. The spectroscopic behaviors of magnetic ions at high concentration are detailed in Chapter 10, followed by a brief review of the operational features of solid state lasers that rely on the foregoing discussion of their optical characteristics. Finally, Chapter 12 describes the application of magneto-optical double resonance techniques to the elucidation of the optical properties of insulating and semi-conducting materials. The authors emphasize that their own interests have guided the selection of topics from the panoply of available choices. They have written the book with senior undergraduates and postgraduates in mind: it is expected also to be useful to seasoned investigators from solid state physics and engineering from inorganic chemistry, and from materials and geological sciences.

Optical Spectroscopy of Inorganic Solids

B. Henderson and G. F. Imbusch

Monographs on the Physics and Chemistry of Materials

1. Spectroscopy and Electronic Structure of Inorganic Solids
2. Energy Levels of Free Atoms and of Optical Centres in Crystals
3. Symmetry and Group Representation Theory
4. Radiative Transition Rates and Selection Rules
5. Electronic Centres in a Vibrating Crystalline Environment
6. Experimental Techniques
7. Colour Centres in Ionic Crystals
8. Spectroscopy of Lanthanide Rare-Earth and Actinide Ions in Solids
9. Optical Spectroscopy of Transition Metal Ions in Solids
10. Spectroscopy at High Dopant Concentrations
11. Solid State Lasers
12. Optical Detection of Magnetic Resonance

Optical Spectroscopy of Inorganic Solids

B. Henderson and G. F. Imbusch

Monographs on the Physics and Chemistry of Materials

Reviews and Awards

`"An excellent introduction to the theoretical and experimental aspects of solid-state spectroscopy."--David R. Foster, American Scientist

"This book has been carefully and clearly written and is attractively produced...an excellent introduction to the subject."--William Hayes, Journal of Modern Optics

"A worthy general account." --Peter Day, The Times