This book is a collection of a set of lectures sponsored by the Bathsheva de Rothschild Seminars. It deals with different aspects of applied physics which are an outgrowth of fundamental research. The courses were given by experts engaged in their respective fields. These review articles are intended to fill a gap between the many research papers that are appearing today in pure science on one hand, and in applied science on the other hand. It is a bridge between these two. It aims at the specialist in applied physics, chemistry and engineering, working in these specialized fields, as well as at the graduate student, interested in solid solid state physics, chemistry and electrical engineering. While this book contains a range of different topics, there is an under­ lying logic in the choice of the subject material. The first three articles, by Drs. Giordmaine, Friesem and Porto, deal with modern applied optics, which arise to a large extent from the availability of coherent and powerful laser sources. Two articles deal with materials, in particular that of Dr. Chalmers on the theory and principle of solidification and that of Dr. Laudise on the techniques of crystal growth. The last three articles, by Drs. Matthias, Doyle and Prince, are concerned with the use of materials in fields of superconductivity, computer storage and semi­ conductor photovoltaic effects. Dr. Rose gives a definitive review on human and electronic vision, an out-growth of life-long activity in this field.