This book introduces the basic theoretical concepts required for the analysis of the optical response of semiconductor systems in the coherent regime. The entire presentation is based on a one-dimensional tight-binding model. Starting with discrete-level systems, increasing complexity is added gradually to the model by including band-structure and many-particle interaction. Various linear and nonlinear optical spectra and temporal phenomena are studied. The analysis of many-body effects in nonlinear optical phenomena covers a major part of the book.

Only basic knowledge of quantum mechanics is required to benefit from the results presented in this book. Therefore, it is well suited as a textbook for advanced classes, for self-study, and for researchers interested in the field of semiconductor optics.

Preliminaries.- Experimental Techniques.- Few-Level Systems.- Coherent Tunneling.- The Semiconductor Model.- Single-Particle Properties.- The Equation of Motion Approach.- Dynamical Equations for Semiconductors.- Applications I.- Linear Optical Response.- Coherent ? (3) Processes for Level Systems.- Coherent ? (3) and ? (5) Processes in Ordered Semiconductors.- Coherent ? (3) and ?(5) Processes in Disordered Semiconductors.- Coherent Excitation Spectroscopy.- Character of Continuum Transitions.- Applications II.- The Semiconductor with Applied Electric Field.- Mesoscopic Semiconductor Rings.- Coherent Density Dynamics in Disordered Semiconductors.- Current Echoes.- Problems.