This is an introductory textbook on fiber optics and related technologies, such as guided-wave optics, semiconductor light sources, and communications. The book is intended for graduate-level students who have already taken courses in electromagnetic theory, solid-state physics, and quantum mechanics. On the other hand, practicing engineers who are not adequately familiar with the subject could acquaint themselves with the different aspects of the subject by reading a subset of the chapters, depending on their needs. However, some of the general readers of the text may find the mathematics cumbersome.

The book consists of 12 chapters. The introductory chapter provides some background information on the subject and highlights the importance of fiber optics in the current and future communications systems. Fundamentals of dielectric waveguides are introduced in the second chapter. The characteristics of the planar and cylindrical dielectric waveguides are presented in the third and fourth chapters. Chapter 5 covers the dispersion, mode coupling, and loss mechanisms. Chapter 6 explains the structure of glass together with its physical properties, and methods by which fibers could be formed of glass with desired properties. The same chapter also addresses measurement techniques for dispersion, fiber index profile, and losses. Three chapters, 7 through 9, are devoted to a discussion of the different aspects of semiconductors. The theoretical aspects of optical transmitters are described in Chapter 10, whereas the device aspects of photodiodes are addressed in Chapter 11. Chapter 12 outlines an interactive method for the analysis of optical fiber systems.

A glossary of terms and mnemonics will make the reading of the book easier for the readers who want to read a selected set of chapters. Considering the number of publications available on the subject, one would expect to see many more up-to-date references on the issues addressed. The book could be recommended to be used as (1) a textbook in graduate-level courses on fiber optics, and (2) a reference for engineers working in the subject area.