Electromagnetic and Optical Pulse Propagation 1

Electromagnetic and Optical Pulse Propagation presents a detailed, systematic treatment of the time-domain electromagnetics with application to the propagation of transient electromagnetic fields (including ultrawideband signals and ultrashort pulses) in homogeneous, isotropic media which exhibit both temporal frequency dispersion and attenuation. The development is mathematically rigorous with strict adherence to the fundamental physical principle of causality. Approximation methods are based upon mathematically well-defined asymptotic techniques that are based upon the saddle point method. A detailed description is given of the asymptotic expansions used. Meaningful exercises are given throughout the text to help the reader‘s understanding of the material, making the book a useful graduate level text in electromagnetic wave theory for both physics, electrical engineering and materials science programs. Both students and researchers alike will obtain a better understanding of time domain electromagnetics as it applies to electromagnetic radiation and wave propagation theory with applications to ground and foliage penetrating radar, medical imaging, communications, and the health and safety issues associated with ultrawideband pulsed fields.

This volume presents a rigorous mathematical development of the fundamental Maxwell-Lorentz theory of microscopic electromagnetics and its relationship to macroscopic electromagnetics in complex media with particular emphasis given to temporally dispersive materials. The relationship between both the mathematical development and the physical interpretation of the classical electromagnetic field theory with the special theory of relativity is emphasized throughout the volume.

"These volumes are a veritable tour de force of optics writing. The topic they cover is one of immense importance, and the treatment it is accorded by this single author is both rigorous and comprehensive. The author's dedication in marshalling more than 1,200 pages of material is to be lauded. The work is a graduate-level text, and its contents will meet the requirements of a broad spectrum of scientists and engineers who require access to the methodologies underpinning pulse propagation. Both volumes include exercises that should ensure that the reader can test their understanding of the material presented. One minor difference between the volumes is the use of different paper finish for the production: acid-free matte for volume 1 and glossy for volume 2. No obvious reason accounts for this distinciton. There is the isolated misprint in the books, but overall the quality of production and presentation is very high. Having a mathematical pedigree, this reviewer was particularly drawn to the expositions of asymptotic approximations presented in volume 2, where potentially challenging techniques are carefully derived and illustrated with well-chosen figures. The wise use of dedicated chapters and sections to highlight particular approaches is strongly conducive to learning the chosen techniques. However, these volumes do not present mathematical abstractions of electromagnetic theory. The work is firmly rooted in physical understanding and ultimately directed at real-world applications. It can be confidently expected that those who have the opportunity to benefit from the industry of the books' author will be able to contribute significantly to current and emerging applications of pulse propagation." (K. Alan Shore, OPN Optics & Photonics News, June, 2010)

Kurt Oughstun is a Professor of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science in the College of Engineering & Mathematics at the University of Vermont where he was University Scholar in the Basic and Applied Sciences. A graduate of The Institute of Optics at the University of Rochester, he is a Fellow of the Optical Society of America, a member of the European Optical Society and a member of the United States National Committee of the International Union of Radio Science. His research centers on electromagnetic and optical wave theory, asymptotic methods of analysis, and computational techniques. He has published extensively on his research in these areas in such journals as the Journal of the Optical Society of America A & B, Journal of the European Optical Society A, Physical Review A & E, Physical Review Letters, IEEE Proceedings, and Radio Science.