This feature issue of Applied Optics is devoted to the theoretical and
the experimental aspects of Gabor and wavelet transforms and to their
optical implementations and applications. Subjects related to the Gab
or scheme and wavelets have evolved under the influence of ideas origi
nating primarily in physics and engineering. The powerful mathematical
formalism and techniques that have been recently introduced, have, ho
wever, stimulated much greater interest among scientists of various di
sciplines and backgrounds. The purpose of this feature issue of Applie
d Optics is to further stimulate interest in this topic in the communi
ty of scientists working on optical techniques, in which it is expecte
d that important applications of these concepts and techniques have ye
t to be developed.