The Optical Properties of Materials:

Book excerpt: Computational approaches for predicting the optical properties of materials are at a stage of rapid development. Because a quantitative description of the optical properties of materials depends on both ground-state and excited-state properties, progress has been slower here than in other areas. However, advances in computational resources and algorithmic developments have dramatically altered this situation. This book brings together researchers from many different disciplines to meet and share ideas. A major focus is on techniques to predict and understand the optical and dielectric properties of materials. Experimental developments, as well as future research areas, are also incorporated. Topics include: bulk materials - ab initio theory; surfaces and polymers; clusters and nanocrystals; confined quantum systems/ quantum dots; nonlinear optical effects; semiconductor lasers, heterostructures and alloys; light-emitting materials; materials and materials characterization techniques; and optical engineering and lightwave propagation.