Book excerpt: International Trends in Optics provides a broad view of work in the field of optics throughout the world. Topics range from quantum optoelectronics for optical processing to optics in telecommunications, along with microoptics, optical memories, and fiber-optic signal processing. Holographic optical elements for use with semiconductor lasers are also considered. Comprised of 34 chapters, this book begins with an introduction to some of the practical applications of integrated optical circuits, optoelectronic integrated circuits, and photonic integrated circuits. Subsequent chapters deal with quantum optoelectronics for optical processing; fiber-optic signal processing; holographic optical elements for use with semiconductor lasers; potential uses of photorefractives; and adaptive interferometry that makes use of photorefractive crystals. Water wave optics and diffraction are also examined, together with the essential journals of optics and the opposition effect in volume and surface scattering. The final chapter is devoted to optical computing, with emphasis on its processing functions and architecture. This monograph will be of interest to students, practitioners, and researchers in physics and electronics.