Introduction to Optics

Translated from the French edition by the author and thoroughly updated, this book gives an introduction to modern optics at an advanced level. The unique approach, inspired by Richard Feynman, will benefit both students and lecturers alike. The book received the Arnulf-Francon Award of the French Optical Society for excellence in optics teaching. The author is Professor Emeritus at Institut National Polytechnique de Grenoble, France, and active optics consultant.

The field of optics has expanded rapidly since the discovery of the lasers in 1960 and optical fibers in 1970. This work covers the basics up to the most recent developments Can be used as a reference for researchers or engineers or a point-of-entry for students Awarded the Arnulf-Francon Award by the French Optical Society for its excellent teaching style

Klappentext

Since the discovery of the laser in 1960 and optical fibers in 1970, optics has undergone dramatic changes that accentuate its multi-disciplinary character. This text covers essential concepts and reports the key developments and progress in current knowledge in the field. Inspired by the style of Richard Feynman, the method of presentation emphasizes "telling" optics, rather than deducing it from fundamental laws, as well as tactfully using mathematical tools so as not to obscure the physical phenomena of interest. For its excellent teaching approach, the book received the Arnulf-Francon Award of the French Optical Society. The concepts are formulated in a way such that the necessary mathematical tools do not hinder comprehension of the phenomena. Global in vision, the book can also be used as a reference. In addition to the traditional aspects of optics, it includes the tools and methods currently used by researchers and engineers, as well as explanation and implications of the most recent developments.

Zusammenfassung

Choice Outstanding Title! (January 2006)

Since the discovery of the lasers in 1960 and optical fibers in 1970, optics underwent deep changes which accentuated its multi-field character. This work covers essential concepts of comprehension and reports the great progress of current knowledge in optics. The method of presentation is inspired by Richard Feynman, with an emphasis on "telling" optics, rather than deducing it from fundamental laws. For its excellent teaching style, the book received the Arnulf-Francon Award by the French Optical Society. The concepts are formulated in a way such that the necessary mathematical tools do not hinder comprehension of the phenomena. Global in vision, the book can also be used as a reference. In addition to the traditional aspects of optics, it includes the tools and methods currently used by researchers and engineers as well as explanation and implications of the most recent developments.

Inhalt
Orders of Magnitude in Optics.- Electromagnetic Waves.- Geometrical Optics.- Polarized LightLaws of Reflection.- Birefringence.- Interference.- Diffraction.- Index of Refraction.- Lasers.- Nonlinear Optics.- Raman-Brillouin-Rayleigh Diffusion.- Guided Optics.- Fourier Analysis and Fourier Transform.