Contrary to monographs on non-linear optics this book concentrates on problems of self-organization in various important contexts. The reader learns how patterns in non-linear optical systems are created and what theoretical methods can be applied to describe them. Next, various aspects of pattern formation such as associative memory, information processing, spatio-temporal instability, photo refraction, and so on are treated.
The book addresses graduate students and researchers in physics and optical engineering.

Contrary to books on non-linear optics this topical volume concentrates on self-organization phenomena overviewing various directions of research in physics and optical engineering

Inhalt
Self-Organization in Nonlinear Optics Kaleidoscope of Patterns.- 1 What Is This Book About?.- 2 Nonlinear Optics: The Good Old Times.- 3 The First Model Kerr-Slice/Feedback Mirror System.- 4 Diffusion, Diffraction, and Spatial Scales.- 5 One More Scheme: The First Step Toward Optical Synergetics.- 6 Nonlocal Interactions; Optical Kaleidoscope of Patterns.- 7 OK-Equation and Dry Hydrodynamics.- 8 One More Nonlinear Element: Two-Component Optical Reaction-Diffusion Systems.- 9 Diffraction at Last; Rolls and Hexagons.- 10 diffraction and Diffraction.- 11 Far Away from Hexagons: Delay in Time and Space.- 12 Diffusion + Diffraction + (Interference) + Nonlocal Interactions = Akhseals.- References.- 1 Information Processing and Nonlinear Physics: From Video Pulses to Waves and Structures.- 1 Information Encoding by Carrier Modulation and the Physics of Nonlinear Oscillations and Waves.- 2 Modulation of Light Waves and Information Encoding in Digital Optical Computers. Optical Triggers.- 3 Strong Optical Nonlinearities. Nonlinear Materials.- 4 Generation and Transformation of Femtosecond Light Pulses.- 5 Control of Transverse Interactions in Nonlinear Optical Resonators: Generation, Hysteresis, and Interaction of Nonlinear Structures.- 6 Conclusion. Nonlinear Optics and Molecular Electronics.- References.- 2 Optical Design Kit of Nonlinear Spatial Dynamics.- 1 Elementary Optical Synergetic Blocks.- 2 Integral Transverse Interactions.- 3 Optical Counterparts of Two-Component Reaction-Diffusion Systems.- 4 Conclusion.- References.- 3 Pattern Formation in Passive Nonlinear Optical Systems.- 1 Induced and Spontaneous Patterns.- 2 Mirror Feedback Systems.- 3 Pattern Formation in Optical Cavities.- 4 Conclusion.- References.- 4 Spatio-Temporal Instability ThresholdCharacteristics in Two-Level Atom Devices.- 1 Linear Stability Analysis of Stationary Solutions.- 2 Feedback Mirror Experiment.- 3 The Ségard and Macke Experiment.- 4 Rayleigh Self-Oscillation in an Intrinsic System.- 5 Conclusion.- References.- 5 Transverse Traveling-Wave Patterns and Instabilities in Lasers.- 1 Basic Equations and Transverse Traveling-Wave Solution.- 2 Instabilities: Direct Stability Analysis and Phase Equations.- 3 Pattern Transition and Selection.- 4 Conclusion.- References.- 6 Laser-Based Optical Associative Memories.- 1 Nonlinear Dynamic Equations and Steady-State Equations.- 2 Single- and Multimode Stationary Solutions. Spatial Multistability.- 3 Operation with Injected Signal.- 4 General Description of the System.- References.- 7 Pattern and Vortex Dynamics in Photorefractive Oscillators.- 1 Pattern Formation and Complexity.- 2 Phase Singularities, Topological Defects, and Turbulence.- 3 Theory of Pattern Formation and Pattern Competition.- References.- 8 Prom the Hamiltonian Mechanics to a Continuous Media. Dissipative Structures. Criteria of Self-Organization.- 1 The Transition from Reversible Equations of Mechanics to Irreversible Equations of the Statistical Theory.- 2 The Unified Description of Kinetic and Hydrodynamic Motion.- 3 The Equation of Entropy Balance. The Heat Flow.- 4 Equations of Hydrodynamics with Self-Diffusion.- 5 Effect of Self-Diffusion on the Spectra of Hydrodynamic Fluctuations.- 6 The Kinetic Approach in the Theory of Self-Organization Synergetics. Basic Mathematical Models.- 7 Kinetic and Hydrodynamic Description of the Heat Transfer in Active Medium.- 8 Kinetic Equation for Active Medium of Bistable Elements.- 9 Kinetic Fluctuations in Active Media.- 10 Natural Flicker Noise (1/f Noise).- 11 Criteria ofSelf-Organization.- 12 Conclusion. Associative Memory and Pattern Recognition.- References.