Introduction to Modern Optics

by Grant R. Fowles

This incisive text provides a basic undergraduate-level course in modern optics for students in physics, technology and engineering. The first half of the book deals with classical physical optics; the second principally with the quantum nature of light. Chapters 1 and 2 treat the propagation of light waves, including the concepts of phase and group velocities, and the vectorial nature of light. Chapter 3 applies the concepts of partial coherence and coherence length to the study of interference, and Chapter 4 takes up multiple-beam interference and includes Fabry-Perot interferometry and multilayer-film theory. Diffraction and holography are the subjects of Chapter 5, and the propagation of light in material media (including crystal and nonlinear optics) are central to Chapter 6. Chapters 7 and 8 introduce the quantum theory of light and elementary optical spectra, and Chapter 9 explores the theory of light amplification and lasers. Chapter 10 briefly outlines ray optics in order to introduce students to the matrix method for treating optical systems and to apply the ray matrix to the study of laser resonators.
Many applications of the laser to the study of optics are integrated throughout the text. The author assumes students have had an intermediate course in electricity and magnetism and some advanced mathematics beyond calculus. For classroom use, a list of problems is included at the end of each chapter, with selected answers at the end of the book.

Genres: Physics, Science, Reference, Textbooks, Mathematics, Nonfiction

336 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1968

Reviews

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

You will not find a more clear, fast introduction to classical and even some nonlinear optics. If you do optics, buy this book. It is too cheap and good not to own.

[Joe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cheap, succinct, and clearly written, this was a great optics primer. If you're not scared of math, I highly recommend this, well, textbook, if you're making your foray into the exciting world of wave mechanics!

[Tom Ritman-Meer · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best physics books I have ever trawled through. It has enormously improved my understanding of Maxwell's equations, light in matter, radiation emission, quantum mechanics, spectroscopy and laser physics. The quality and value of the Dover physics and mathematics series can't be beaten as far as I have seen.

[Avril Lavigne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good book

[Zyzyxx · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book but makes frequent mention of "the pencil" but does not define it and a definition cannot be found elsewhere. Frustrating.

[Earl · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sorry pero hindi talaga nag-sink in sa akin to!