Ultrafast photonics has become an interdisciplinary topic of high international research interest because of the spectacular development of compact and efficient lasers producing optical pulses in the femtosecond range. This book brings together contributions from experts at major research initiatives around the world to address all aspects of this very active field. Topics covered range from the fundamental physics of optical interactions and material properties through to new system concepts for ultrahigh-capacity data transfer and processing using femtosecond pulses with emphasis on areas of specific scientific breakthroughs and subsequent technological advances.