Pedrottis' Introduction to Optics

The fourth edition of a classic, with dynamic new authors who bring substantial developments while preserving the Pedrotti legacy.

Rayf Shiell (Author), Iain McNab (Author), Matthew Romerein (Contributions by)

9781316518625, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 31 October 2024

977 pages
26.1 x 21.1 x 6 cm, 2.26 kg

'This textbook is extremely comprehensive, well illustrated, and notationally consistent between sections. I particularly like the integrated testlets and links to animations/simulations, which will greatly enhance the learning experience for students. The price point is competitive for such a large text.' Brynle Barrett, University of New Brunswick

The fourth edition of Pedrottis' Introduction to Optics is a comprehensive revision of a classic guide to the fascinating properties of light, now with new authors. Ideally suited for undergraduate optics courses in physics and electrical/electronic engineering departments, this edition adopts a distinctive phenomenological approach, bringing the underlying science to life through interactive simulations and beautifully revised figures. The modular structure and succinct style of previous editions has been maintained, while the content has been modernized, new topics have been added, and a greater consistency of terminology attained. For even more effective learning, a recurring theme of student engagement runs throughout the text, supported by a multifaceted pedagogical package that reinforces key concepts, develops a clear understanding of optical technologies and applications, and connects to students' experiences and observations from everyday life.

Theme I. Introducing Light
1. The Optical Landscape
2. Ray Optics
3. Understanding Optical Instruments
4. Waves
5. Light Sources, Displays, and Detectors
Theme II. A Scalar Field Approach to Light
6. Superposition of Waves
7. Interference of Light
8. Interferometry and Multilayer Films
9. Coherence
10. Fraunhofer Diffraction
11. Prisms, Diffraction Gratings, and Spectrometers
Theme III. A Vector Field Approach to Light
12. Reflection and Transmission at Surfaces
13. Optical Fibers and Communications Technology
14. Mathematical Treatment of Polarization
15. Polarization in Practice
Theme IV. Lasers and Laser Beams
16. Light-Matter Interactions
17. Lasers and Laser Operation
18. Laser Beams and Laser Cavities
Theme V. Advanced Topics
19. Aberrations
20. Fourier Optics: Imaging and Spectroscopy
21. Fresnel Diffraction
22. Holography
23. Optical Properties of Materials
24. Nonlinear Optics and the Modulation of Light
25. Laser Technology and Applications
26. Optics of The Eye
Appendices
A. Physical constants
B. Mathematical formulas
C. Bibliography
D. Answers to selected questions
E. Integrated testlet lookup table.

Subject Areas: Optical physics [PHJ]