Handbook of Optical Holography ed. by H. J. Caulfield (review)

HANDBOOK OF OPTICAL HOLOGRAPHY by H. J.Caulfield, ed. Academic Press, New York, NY, U.S.A., 1979. Trade, $69.50. ISBN: 0-12-165350. There is much that is excellent about this large book, including as it does among its authors almost every holographic scientist of repute. It is, indeed , full of immensely useful information (if only you could find it; the index is infuriatingly inadequate). The authors write in a variety of styles, and the academic level and the depth of treatment vary widely from chapter to chapter. There are gaps in the material which the serious student will find frustrating, and some topics are treated at what seems excessive length in view of their limited importance. Nevertheless, this is an extremely valuable book, which contains much information not readily available elsewhere [1]. Reference I. Reprinted by permission from G. Saxby. PracticalHologmphy (New York: Prentice-Han. 1988) pp. 443-445. OPTICAL HOLOGRAPHY by P. Hariharan. Cambridge University Press, New York, NY, U.SA, 1984. IIlus. Paper, $24.95. This is simply the best-ever book on the theory of holography. It is fully upto -date, and contains probably the most complete reference list (more than 700 references) of any published book on the subject. The book covers the entire field of optical holography, with rigorous mathematical back-up, making no concessions to those whose knowledge of complex numbers or vector theory is shaky; if you need a refresher course on these, it is up to you to take one before you get down to this book. There is no practical instruction [1]. Reference I. Reprinted by permission from G. Saxby. Practiral Holograph~ (New York: Prentice-Han. 1988) pp. 443-445. 444 Current Literature OPTICAL HOLOGRAPHY by C. B. Burckhardt, R.J.Collier and L. H. Lin. Academic Press, New York, NY, U.SA, 1971. 605 pp. Trade, $34.50. ISBN: 0-12-181052-6. This book covers all the principles of optical holography in depth, and there is a comprehensive mathematical treatment of the relevant optical theory. It is short on practical advice, and much has happened since the last edition; but it remains an important reference book [1]. Reference I. Reprinted by permission from G. Saxby. Prartiral Howgraphy (New York: Prentice-Han, 1988) pp. 443-445. HOLOGRAPHIC AND SPECKLE INTERFEROMETRY by R.Jones and C. Wykes. Cambridge University Press, New York, NY, U.SA,1983. For those who want to become involved in this area of measurement science this is the complete book. It uses the same level of mathematics as Hariharari's book, but makes the concession to the reader of including an appendix which shows how to manipulate complex functions, and another on vectors. A new edition is in preparation [1]. Reference I. Reprinted by permission from G. Saxby. Prartical Howgraphy (New York: Prentice-Hall. 1988) pp. 443-445. THE COMPLETE BOOK OF HOLOGRAMS by S. A. Feller andJ. E. Kaspar. John Wiley & Sons, London, U.K., 1987. An introduction to the principles of holography, using simple geometrical models to explain the basis. It gives an account of the main types of hologram , and there is an overview of specialized techniques and applications of holography, which is particularly well-written. Elsewhere the style is rambling and discursive, with many minor errors [1]. Reference I. Reprinted by permission from G. Saxby. Practical Howgraphy (New York: Prentice-Han. 1988) pp. 443-445. How TO MAKE HOLOGRAMS by D. McNair. Tab Books, Blue Ridge Summit, PA, U.SA, 1983.240 pp., iIIus. Trade, $26.95; paper, $17.50. ISBN: 0-8306-0109-0; ISBN: 0-83060609 -2. The main part of this book is a set of step-by-step instructions for building a holography lab in a garage and equipping it with a sand-table, appropriate optical items with home-made holders, and a processing area. This part of the book is very good indeed. The remainder contains holographic layouts which are sound, if limited; also an explanation of the principles of holography that is somewhat less than adequate, and a series of short interviews with some well-known American holographers [1]. Reference I. Reprinted by permission from G. Saxby. Practical Howgraphy (New York: Prentice-Han, 1988) pp...