Modern Optics Simplified

This textbook reduces the complexity of the coverage of optics to allow a student with only elementary calculus to learn the principles of optics and the modern Fourier theory of diffraction and imaging. Students majoring in sciences or engineering and taking a standard physics course on optics will find this text useful. Examples of a variety of applications dependent on optics allow the student to connect this course to their particular field of interest.Topics covered include aberrations with experimental examples, correction of chromatic aberration, explanation of coherence and the use of interference theory to design an antireflection coating. Fouriertransform optics and its application to diffraction and imaging, use of Gaussian wave theory, and fiber optics make the text of interest to those in electrical and bioengineering as well as physics and medical science. The text includes hundreds of photos, figures and diagrams to provide readers with strong visual insights into optics. More difficult, optional topics are highlighted throughout, and the need for experience with differential equations and extensive use ofvector theory are avoided by using a one dimensional theory where possible. Maxwell's equations are introduced only to determine the properties of a light wave, and the boundary conditions are introducedto characterize reflection and refraction. Most discussion is limited to reflection. The book also introduces Fourier transforms as they are needed in the discussion of diffraction and imaging.

“"An impressive contribution to the literature on image science...The book is an authoritative presentation by the author of the modern field of optics that is moving ahead dramatically due to the growth of virtually all fields of technology. Guenther writes with clarity and precision from his unique perspectiveThis book is well suited to a variety of scholars, including first year graduate students and advanced undergraduates." -- Nicholas George, The Institute of Optics, University of Rochester, "A must read for anyone wishing to obtain a solid foundation for applying the science of optics. Starting from the wave aspect of light, Guenther develops a fresh new approach to describing modern optics. The book bridges the gap between classical optics and contemporary applications of light." -- Eric Mazur, John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, "Guenther has succeeded to provide a much needed and well-balanced modern optics book suitable for students and experienced researchers alike. Across 11 beautifully-illustrated chapters, key fundamentals from geometrical and wave optics to polarization, waveguides and imaging are all covered in appropriate depth. Each chapter ends with a selection of problems that probes the knowledge gained by the reader. The book is enriched by historical chapter introductions, and highlighted examples from modern science including optical tweezers, optical coherence tomography, stellar interferometry, photonic crystal fibers, aberrations and human vision. A clear new favourite for any serious optics scholar and student alike. Brilliant work!" -- Brian Vohnsen, School of Physics, University College Dublin, "Modern optics has expanded into many beautiful topics. Bob Gunther has masterfully succeeded in presenting a concise, clear introduction to this fascinating field. Students and scholars worldwide will enjoy reading and consulting this succinct, well-informed, and wonderfully well-structured book." -- Jorge Ojeda-Castaeda, , Engineering School, University of Guanajuato,”

An impressive contribution to the literature on image science...The book is an authoritative presentation by the author of the modern field of optics that is moving ahead dramatically due to the growth of virtually all fields of technology. Guenther writes with clarity and precision from his unique perspective This book is well suited to a variety of scholars, including first year graduate students and advanced undergraduates. Nicholas George, The Institute of Optics, University of Rochester,
A must read for anyone wishing to obtain a solid foundation for applying the science of optics. Starting from the wave aspect of light, Guenther develops a fresh new approach to describing modern optics. The book bridges the gap between classical optics and contemporary applications of light. Eric Mazur, John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University,
Guenther has succeeded to provide a much needed and well-balanced modern optics book suitable for students and experienced researchers alike. Across 11 beautifully-illustrated chapters, key fundamentals from geometrical and wave optics to polarization, waveguides and imaging are all covered in appropriate depth. Each chapter ends with a selection of problems that probes the knowledge gained by the reader. The book is enriched by historical chapter introductions, and highlighted examples from modern science including optical tweezers, optical coherence tomography, stellar interferometry, photonic crystal fibers, aberrations and human vision. A clear new favourite for any serious optics scholar and student alike. Brilliant work! Brian Vohnsen, School of Physics, University College Dublin,
Modern optics has expanded into many beautiful topics. Bob Gunther has masterfully succeeded in presenting a concise, clear introduction to this fascinating field. Students and scholars worldwide will enjoy reading and consulting this succinct, well-informed, and wonderfully well-structured book. Jorge Ojeda-Castañeda, , Engineering School, University of Guanajuato,

Robert D. Guenther received his undergraduate degree from Baylor University and his graduate degrees in Physics from the University of Missouri. He has had research experience in condensed matter, high energy lasers, and optical physics. For nine years he was active in research management as a senior executive in the US Army, and was responsible for physics research sponsored by the Army. After retiring from the government, Dr. Guenther held the position ofInterim Director of the Free Electron Laser Laboratory and Executive Director at Fitzpatrick Center for Photonics and Communication Systems at Duke University. He has 30 years' experience teachingundergraduate optics. He retired from teaching and worked in two start-up companies developing products related to imaging and spectroscopy.

This textbook reduces the complexity of the coverage of optics to allow a student with only elementary calculus to learn the principles of optics and the modern Fourier theory of diffraction and imaging. Students majoring in sciences or engineering and taking a standard physics course on optics will find this text useful. Examples of a variety of applications dependent on optics allow the student to connect this course to their particular field of interest. Topicscovered include aberrations with experimental examples, correction of chromatic aberration, explanation of coherence and the use of interference theory to design an antireflection coating. Fourier transform optics and its application to diffraction and imaging, use of Gaussian wave theory, and fiberoptics make the text of interest to those in electrical and bioengineering as well as physics and medical science. The text includes hundreds of photos, figures and diagrams to provide readers with strong visual insights into optics. More difficult, optional topics are highlighted throughout, and the need for experience with differential equations and extensive use of vector theory are avoided by using a one dimensional theory where possible. Maxwell's equations are introduced only to determine the properties of a light wave, and the boundary conditions are introduced to characterize reflection andrefraction. Most discussion is limited to reflection. The book also introduces Fourier transforms as they are needed in the discussion of diffraction and imaging.

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