This is a list of recommended readings to prepare for specialized research areas in Project Elara. They are **not compulsory** but highly recommended. > **Note:** This list is closely related to [[Resources and tools]], although this list points out specific sections relevant to active research areas for Project Elara. For a general overview of the background physics, engineering, and math for the Project, see the [_Elara Handbook_](https://handbook.elaraproject.org/). ## For laser physics > **Note:** This section includes readings for free-electron masers and lasers, which are referenced by [[Free-electron maser physics]] and [[Prototype free-electron maser design]]. - [_Springer Handbook of Lasers and Optics_](https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-642-19409-2): - Chapter 3 _Wave Optics_, sections 3.1 & 3.5 - Chapter 11 _Lasers and Coherent Light Sources_, sections 11.1, 11.2, 11.4, 11.11 ## For RF transmission/antenna analysis - [_Springer Handbook of Lasers and Optics_](https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-642-19409-2): - Chapter 19 _Radiation and Optics in the Atmosphere_, section 19.2 - [_Antenna Theory_](https://antenna-theory.com/) - [_The horn antenna_](https://www.antenna-theory.com/antennas/aperture/horn3.php) - [_Waveguides_](https://www.antenna-theory.com/tutorial/waveguides/waveguide.php) ## For quantum physics/statistical mechanics - [Mathematics for Quantum Mechanics](https://mathforquantum.quantumtinkerer.tudelft.nl/) (nearly every part of it is useful so it is _highly recommended_ to at least skim through all of it) - [UCSD Quantum Physics Lecture Notes](https://quantummechanics.ucsd.edu/) - [_Hyperfine structure_](https://quantummechanics.ucsd.edu/ph130a/130_notes/node34.html) ## For thermal physics - [_Springer Handbook of Lasers and Optics_](https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-642-19409-2) - Chapter 1 _Basic Principles and Materials_, section 1.4.1