The Wonders of Light

Discover the spectacular power of light with this stunning celebration of the ways in which light-based technology has shaped society.

Marta García-Matos (Author), Lluís Torner (Author)

9781107477414, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 18 June 2015

142 pages, 30 b/w illus. 50 colour illus.
24 x 18.3 x 0.9 cm, 0.36 kg

'If you are looking for a book about science that, like a favourite piece of music, poem or artwork, makes your skin tingle, this is it. A wonderful, multifaceted cascade of colour, fascination and art that, with perfect timing, elegantly introduces the astonishing things that scientists and engineers are doing with light.' Philip Russell, President, Optical Society (OSA) and Director, Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light

Discover the spectacular power of light with this visually stunning celebration of the multitude of ways in which light-based technology has shaped our society. Be inspired by state-of-the-art science: sixteen beautiful, straightforward chapters demonstrate the science behind the fascinating and surprising ways in which light can be harnessed and used, from displays, solar cells and the Internet to advanced quantum technologies. Be dazzled by brilliant color: dramatic design and radiant color illustrations bring cutting-edge science and groundbreaking innovations to life, clearly explaining the fundamental principles behind them. Be part of something bigger: published in association with the Institute of Photonic Sciences (ICFO) to celebrate the 2015 UNESCO International Year of Light, it is perfect for anyone interested in the frontiers of science, engineering or medicine, and in the phenomenal technological advances that have been made possible by human innovation.

1. Cold
2. Gentle
3. Sharp
4. Focus
5. Virus attacks
6. Optogenetics
7. Fast
8. Random walks
9. Displays
10. Connected
11. Privacy
12. Riddles
13. New materials
14. Catch that energy!
15. Lighting
16. Sensing.

Subject Areas: Engineering: general [TBC], Optical physics [PHJ], Physics [PH], Popular science [PDZ], Mathematics & science [P]