This text will be of interest to students, researchers, and systems engineers. The fundamentals of blackbody radiation, lasers, and optical detectors are developed in a unified manner and used for a quantitative formulation of measurement precision, communication and radar error rates, and imaging system sensitivity. The treatment includes a thorough explanation of photon, Johnson, and amplifier noise, as well as noise in avalanche photodiodes and optical amplifiers.

Detector properties from D[asterisk] to RA product are defined and explained. Optical system concepts such as focal length, f number, field-of-view, and aperture area are then utilized to establish performance capability for both direct and heterodyne systems. Numerous examples and problems cover such diverse topics as medical thermography and laser speed detectors. This book emphasizes the basics and provides ample references to more detailed treatments and specific applications.