Optical Physics

Optical science, the science that studies the nature of light, can be approached from several different angles. In this third edition of a successful and well-established text, the author focuses on physical and geometrical optics. The text is based largely on Fourier analysis and shows how this method can be used to describe wave propagation and diffraction and their applications to imaging, microscopy, X-ray crystallography, radio-astronomy, and communication. Several new sections have been added, including discussions of super-resolved imaging (near field and confocal microscopy), phase-retrieval in optical and X-ray diffraction, phase-conjugate imaging, astronomical speckle masking, and squeezed-light interferometry. Throughout, the subject matter is developed by a combination of unsophisticated mathematics and physical intuition. The very broad range of subjects treated, together with the inclusion of many problems and over 300 diagrams and photographs, will make the book of great use to undergraduate and graduate students of physics, and to anyone working in the field of optical science. This Is The Third Edition Of A Successful And Well-established Text. Thoroughly Revised And Updated, The Book Provides A Comprehensive Introduction To The Fundamentals Of Optics, And To A Wide Variety Of More Advanced Areas Of Modern Optical Science. Several New Sections Have Been Added, Including Discussions Of Super-resolved Imaging, Phase-retrieval In Optical And X-ray Diffraction, Phase-conjugate Imaging And Squeezed-light Interferometry. Throughout, The Subject Matter Is Developed By A Combination Of Unsophisticated Mathematics And Physical Intuition, With Particular Emphasis Being Placed On Fourier Analysis. The Very Broad Range Of Subjects Treated, Together With The Inclusion Of Many Problems And Over 300 Diagrams And Photographs, Will Make The Book Of Great Use To Undergraduate And Graduate Students Of Physics, And To Anyone Working In The Field Of Optical Science. 1. History Of Ideas -- 2. Waves -- 3. Geometrical Optics -- 4. Fourier Theory -- 5. Electromagnetic Waves -- 6. Polarization And Anisotropic Media -- 7. Diffraction -- 8. Fraunhofer Diffraction And Interference -- 9. Interferometry -- 10. Optical Waveguides And Modulated Media -- 11. Coherence -- 12. Image Formation -- 13. The Classical Theory Of Dispersion -- 14. Quantum Optics And Lasers -- 15. Problems -- Appendix 1 Bessel Functions In Wave Optics -- Appendix 2 Lecture Demonstrations In Fourier Optics. S.g. Lipson, H. Lipson, And D.s. Tannhauser. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 476-482) And Index.