Abstract
This book contains a physical description of the nature of thermal and laser sources, with particular emphasis on black-body sources and semiconductor lasers. It also describes the operation of both photo-emissive and semiconductor detectors. It pays particular attention to the sources of noise in detectors. Although the book sets out to be wide-ranging in its scope, it gives particular emphasis to factors relating to optical communications. This book requires a knowledge of physics at around first degree level to follow the developments of the physical arguments. Each chapter finishes with a number of set problems suitable for exercises for those studying a first degree in physics. I found this book easy to read and I consider it well suited for a graduate physicist who wishes a quick revision of the aspects of a physics degree course relevant to optical sources and detectors. It would also be helpful to a student studying a first degree in physics if used alongside other text books. However, the book tries to cover such a wide range that the author is forced to assume significant background physical theory to develop his arguments. Often I found it difficult to understand why a particular area of theory was developed in some depth whilst elsewhere final equations are just quoted. Also the content lacks rigour, making it more suitable for obtaining a general understanding of the physical basis of a process than as a definitive text.
Published Version
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