Detection of Light provides a comprehensive overview of the important approaches to photon detection from the ultraviolet to the submillimeter spectral regions. This expanded and fully updated second edition discusses recently introduced types of detector such as superconducting tunnel junctions, hot electron bolometer mixers, and fully depleted CCDs, and also includes historically important devices such as photographic plates. Material from many disciplines is combined into a comprehensive and unified treatment of the detection of light, with emphasis on the underlying physical principles. Chapters have been thoroughly reorganised to make the book easier to use, and each includes problems with solutions as appropriate. This self-contained text assumes only an undergraduate level of physics, and develops understanding as it is needed. It is suitable for advanced undergraduate and graduate students, and will provide a valuable reference for professionals in astronomy, engineering and physics.

‘Although on the face of it a hard science volume, this book is still quite readable. This is due to the progressive style in which each topic is approached … this book does provide a complete introduction and reference volume to the world of photon detection.’

Alex Colburn Source: Webb Society Reviews

‘The book is well laid out and covers most of the basic solid state physics required to understand how the various types of detectors work. I found the diagrams very clear and the examples well thought through. It is certainly a book that I wish I had had available as an undergraduate when studying detection systems in astronomy.’

Owen Brazell Source: Astronomy Now

‘In summary this is a must for anyone involved in millimetre-to-ultraviolet instrumentation, and will also be of interest to the non-specialist who wants to keep abreast of photo-detection technology.’

Source: Observatory

‘ … This book is clearly and authoritatively written, and should appeal to astronomers, engineers and physicists, and prove particularly useful to the advanced university student.’

Source: Irish Astronomical Journal

‘ … providing in a single source a comprehensive, up-to-date overview of the field. Whether used as a text or as a reference, an invaluable addition.’

Source: Physics Today

‘In my view, this book is a ‘must’ for any laboratory where experimental work involves the detection of electromagnetic radiation - which means pretty well any laboratory … this is an excellent reference work.’

Source: Contemporary Physics