Optical Physics

Fourth edition of a well-established textbook for undergraduate courses on modern optics, with numerous practical examples and figures.

Ariel Lipson (Author), Stephen G. Lipson (Author), Henry Lipson (Author)

9780521493451, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 28 October 2010

590 pages, 375 b/w illus. 190 exercises
25.3 x 19.5 x 2.8 cm, 1.42 kg

'The publication of this book represents a much needed step towards the wider understanding of optics and its significance in professional practice … Given the exciting horizons opening up in the field of imaging, including lidar, this wide-ranging publication should prove a very valuable reference source for years to come. This has been achieved successfully through a clearly written text, and at a technical level that makes it a really useful and up-to-date reference … It should be available for reference in any organisation that depends on the quality of its optical equipment.' The Photogrammetric Record

This fourth edition of a well-established textbook takes students from fundamental ideas to the most modern developments in optics. Illustrated with 400 figures, it contains numerous practical examples, many from student laboratory experiments and lecture demonstrations. Aimed at undergraduate and advanced courses on modern optics, it is ideal for scientists and engineers. The book covers the principles of geometrical and physical optics, leading into quantum optics, using mainly Fourier transforms and linear algebra. Chapters are supplemented with advanced topics and up-to-date applications, exposing readers to key research themes, including negative refractive index, surface plasmon resonance, phase retrieval in crystal diffraction and the Hubble telescope, photonic crystals, super-resolved imaging in biology, electromagnetically induced transparency, slow light and superluminal propagation, entangled photons and solar energy collectors. Solutions to the problems, simulation programs, key figures and further discussions of several topics are available at www.cambridge.org/lipson.

1. History of ideas
2. Waves
3. Geometrical optics
4. Fourier theory
5. Electromagnetic waves
6. Polarization and anisotropic media
7. The scalar theory of 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
Appendices
Index.

Subject Areas: Electronics engineering [TJF], Optical physics [PHJ]