Properties and Performance of Opitcal Materials - PAL Format (VHS video casette)

Michael E. Thomas joined The Johns Hopkins University/Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, MD., in 1979 and has been working on electromagnetic propagation and optical properties of materials. Optical materials cover the spectral range from microwaves to the ultraviolet and therefore directly impact systems utilizing this portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. The performance of these systems is often limited by the properties of the optical materials employed.

This SPIE course surveys the linear optical (absorption, elastic single scattering, emission and refraction), thermal, mechanical, physical, and chemical properties of concern to optical material performance. Basic definitions, temperature and frequency dependence, and the interrelationship of the different properties are covered. Examples are used wherever possible to illustrate basic concepts. Also, a set of example problems are presented to demonstrate optical material performance.