Book excerpt: Following a semi-quantitative approach, this book presents asummary of the basic concepts, with examples and applications, andreviews recent developments in the study of optical properties ofcondensed matter systems. Key Features: Covers basic knowledge as well as application topics Includes theory, experimental techniques and current anddeveloping applications Timely and useful contribution to the literature Written by internationally respected contributors working inphysics and electrical engineering departments and governmentlaboratories