Wiley An Introduction to the Optical Spectroscopy of Inorganic Solids

This practical guide to spectroscopy and inorganic materials meets the demand from academia and the science community for an introductory text that introduces the different optical spectroscopic techniques, used in many laboratories, for material characterisation. Treats the most basic aspects to be introduced into the field of optical spectroscopy of inorganic materials, enabling a student to interpret simple optical (absorption, reflectivity, emission and scattering) spectraContains simple, illustrative examples and solved exercisesCovers the theory, instrumentation and applications of spectroscopy for the characterisation of inorganic materials, including lasers, phosphors and optical materials such as photonicsThis is an ideal beginner’s guide for students with some previous knowledge in quantum mechanics and optics, as well as a reference source for professionals or researchers in materials science, especially the growing field of optical materials. Review "This is a useful book for an undergraduate or an early-stage postgraduate course in spectroscopy." (Reviews, June 2008) "[allows] students with a background in quantum physics and solid state physics, to interpret simple optical spectra…and obtain knowledge of the main instrumentation used in this field." (Chimie Nouvelle, March 2007) From the Inside Flap This book presents the basic aspects of the field of the optical spectroscopy of solids, allowing students with a background in quantum physics, optics and solid state physics, to interpret simple optical spectra (absorption, reflectivity, emission, scattering…) and obtain knowledge of the main instrumentation used in this field. Although most of the material treated in this book concerns the spectroscopy of centres embedded in inorganic materials, the principles described are also applicable to molecules and atoms in the gas and /or the liquid state. This book is organized as follows: The opening chapter provides a short introduction of the fundamentals of optical spectroscopy, describing the basic standard equipment needed to measure optical spectra and the main optical magnitudes that can be measured. The next two chapters are devoted to describing the main characteristics and the basic working principles for the general instrumentation used in optical spectroscopy. Chapter 4 analyses the absorption and reflectivity spectra of pure crystals. The next two chapters deal with the spectra of "optically active centres", including a large variety of optical materials, such as phosphors, solid-state lasers and amplifiers. The final chapter presents a simple introduction to group theory and its usefulness in interpreting the optical spectra of active centres. The book is suitable for undergraduate and postgraduate students in chemistry, physics and materials sciences, especially for those enrolled in courses in optics and laser spectroscopy, solid-state spectroscopy and introductory solid-state physics. It will also be of interest to researchers, teachers and libraries, with interests in the area of materials science, especially in the growing field of optical materials From the Back Cover This book presents the basic aspects of the field of the optical spectroscopy of solids, allowing students with a background in quantum physics, optics and solid state physics, to interpret simple optical spectra (absorption, reflectivity, emission, scattering…) and obtain knowledge of the main instrumentation used in this field. Although most of the material treated in this book concerns the spectroscopy of centres embedded in inorganic materials, the principles described are also applicable to molecules and atoms in the gas and /or the liquid state. This book is organized as follows: The opening chapter provides a short introduction of the fundamentals of optical spectroscopy, describing the basic standard equipment needed to measure optical spectra and the main optical magnitu