Description: Topology is the study of properties of geometrical objects that remain invariant as the object is bent, twisted, or otherwise continuously deformed. It has been an indispensable tool in particle physics and solid state physics for decades, but in recent years it has become increasingly relevant in classical and quantum optics as well. It makes appearances through such diverse phenomena as Pancharatnam-Berry phases, optical vortices and solitons, and optical simulations of solid-state topological phenomena. This book concisely provides the necessary mathematical background needed to understand these developments and to give a rapid survey of some of the optical applications where topological issues arise.
Brief description: David Simon received a bachelor's degree in mathematics and physics from Ohio State University, followed by doctoral degrees in theoretical physics (Johns Hopkins) and engineering (Boston University). Originally trained in mathematical physics and quantum field theory, he now works primarily in quantum optics and related areas. After more than a decade teaching at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, he is currently Professor of Physics in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Stonehill College (Easton, MA) and a visiting researcher at Boston University.