Bitcoin For Dummies

By (author) Kent, Peter; By (author) Bain, Tyler
Description:

A primer on the currency alternative that''s changing the world

Bitcoin can be a bit puzzling to the uninitiated. Ledger? Blockchain? Mining? These cryptocurrency concepts aren''t going away, and there are tremendous opportunities for those with some know-how to get onboard with the crypto culture. Bitcoin For Dummies helps you get un-puzzled, learn the Bitcoin basics, and discover the possibilities in the new world of digital currencies.

With this 100% new edition, you can step into the fascinating culture of cryptocurrency and learn how to use Bitcoin as a currency or an investment vehicle. A little bit of knowledge will go a long way, and you’ll be ready to sail smoothly ahead as the crypto tsunami advances.

• Demystify Bitcoin and learn how to buy and sell cryptocurrency
• Create a digital wallet and make everyday purchases using Bitcoin
• Discover the ins and outs of investing in Bitcoin and other up-and-coming cryptocurrencies
• Participate in the cutting-edge culture of crypto

Bitcoin For Dummies is great for beginning Bitcoin users and investors who need to know the basics about getting started with Bitcoin and cryptocurrency.

Table of contents:

Preface xxxix

Acknowledgments xliii

1 Basic Optical Calculations 1

1.1 Introduction 1

1.2 Wave Propagation 2

1.3 CalculatingWave Propagation in Real Life 7

1.4 Detection 26

1.5 Coherent Detection 26

1.6 Interferometers 29

1.7 Photon Budgets and Operating Specifications 30

1.8 Signal Processing Strategy 36

2 Sources And Illuminators 41

2.1 Introduction 41

2.2 The Spectrum 41

2.3 Radiometry 43

2.4 Continuum Sources 43

2.5 Interlude: Coherence 46

2.6 More Sources 50

2.7 Incoherent Line Sources 55

2.9 Lasers 57

2.10 Gas Lasers 59

2.11 Solid-State Lasers 59

2 Diode Lasers 61

2.13 Laser Noise 69

3 Optical Detection 81

3.1 Introduction 81

3.2 Signal-to-Noise Ratios 82

3.3 Detector Figures of Merit 83

3.5 Photomultipliers 100

3.6 Thermal Detectors 114

3.7 Image Intensifiers 115

3.9 How Do I Know Which Noise Source Dominates? 124

3.10 Hacks 129

4 Lenses, Prisms, and Mirrors 137

4.1 Introduction 137

4.2 Optical Materials 137

4.4 Surface Quality 141

4.5 Windows 142

4.6 Pathologies of Optical Elements 143

4.7 Fringes 143

4.8 Mirrors 147

4.10 Prism Pathologies 153

4.11 Lenses 154

2 Complex Lenses 158

3 Other Lenslike Devices 162

5 Coatings, Filters, and Surface Finishes 165

5.1 Introduction 165

5.2 Metal Mirrors 165

5.4 Simple Coating Theory 171

5.5 Moth-Eye Finishes 179

5.6 Absorptive Filters 180

5.7 Beam Dumps and Baffles 182

5.8 White Surfaces and Diffusers 186

6 Polarization 191

6.1 Introduction 191

6.2 Polarization of Light 191

6.3 Interaction of Polarization with Materials 193

6.4 Absorption Polarizers 197

6.5 Brewster Polarizers 197

6.6 Birefringent Polarizers 198

6.7 Double-Refraction Polarizers 199

6.8 TIR Polarizers 202

6.9 Retarders 203

6.10 Polarization Control 206

7 Exotic Optical Components 211

 Introduction 211

 Gratings 211

 Grating Pathologies 214

 Types of Gratings 215

 Resolution of Grating Instruments 218

 Fine Points of Gratings 219

 Holographic Optical Elements 222

 Photonic Crystals and Metamaterials 223

 Retroreflective Materials 224

7.10 Scanners 225

7.11 Modulators 231

8 Fib