Optics of organic thin films and devices

Organic thin films have recently emerged as promising candidates for advanced optical device and system applications. To fully utilize these thin films for modern optics, one should understand the nature of the polarization of light and theory of the propagation of optical waves in such anisotropic media. Basic concepts associated with optical components are described in view of the useful features of organic materials for device applications. The operation principles and some aspects of several liquid crystal devices are also presented. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.