ICO - Book 3 edited by Professor Anna Consortini is a collection of 31 papers on different subjects, written by a striking list of contributors, who are internationally renowned. The latest applications of modern optics are described, including some previously undisclosed material from the time of the 'Cold War'. This is the third volume in a series launched in 1991 by the International Commission for Optics (ICO).

The aim of these books is to promote an awareness of the recent developments in the field of optics. The series uses a different style from that found in academic journals and conference proceedings: it is more informal, making it accessible to the readers who are not optic specialists. However, as open problems and authors' personal viewpoints are included, this is also an exciting, rare and invaluable read for experts.