  The book is devoted to the formation and dynamics of localized structures
(vortices, solitons) and extended patterns (stripes, hexagons, tilted waves) in
nonlinear optical resonators such as lasers, optical parametric oscillators,
and photorefractive oscillators. The theoretical analysis is performed by
deriving order parameter equations, and also through numerical integration of
microscopic models of the systems under investigation. Experimental
observations, and possible technological implementations of transverse optical
patterns are also discussed. A comparison with patterns found in other
nonlinear systems, i.e. chemical, biological, and hydrodynamical systems, is
given. This article contains the table of contents and the introductory chapter
of the book.
