Optical technologies

Abstract

Optical technologies encompass all technologies for the generation, transmission, amplification, manipulation, shaping, measurement, and utilisation of light. In physics, visible light is identified as electromagnetic waves with wavelengths roughly in the range of 380-780 nm. Optical technologies also make use of the neighbouring areas of the electromagnetic spectrum, i. e. infrared and ultraviolet light up to the X-ray range. Light can be regarded as a form of electromagnetic waves or as a stream of particles (photons), which are governed by the laws of quantum mechanics. Photons are therefore also referred to as light quanta. © 2009 Springer Berlin Heidelberg.