Optics: An Introduction

Optics studies the behavior and properties of light such as its interactions with matter as well as the construction of instruments that are used to detect it. It describes the behavior of visible, ultraviolet and infrared light. The two major areas of study within classical optics are physical optics and geometric optics. Physical optics considers light to propagate as a wave and geometric optics believes that light travels in straight lines as rays. Modern optics studies electromagnetic and quantum properties of light. Optics is used in various disciplines such as engineering, astronomy, photography and medicine. This book presents the complex subject of optics in the most comprehensible and easy to understand language. Some of the diverse topics covered herein address the varied branches that fall under this category. Those with an interest in this field would find this book helpful.