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Optics stands as one of the most elegant and practically significant branches of physics, bridging the fundamental principles of electromagnetic theory with technologies that shape our daily lives. From the corrective lenses we wear to the fiber optic networks that carry our communications, from the laser systems used in surgery to the advanced imaging techniques that probe the cosmos, optical phenomena surround us at every scale.

This textbook is designed for undergraduate students encountering optics for the first time, typically in their third or fourth year of physics study. We assume familiarity with calculus and the fundamentals of electricity and magnetism. The mathematical treatment is rigorous yet accessible, emphasizing physical insight alongside mathematical formalism.

1Organization and Approach

The text is structured to build understanding progressively, beginning with geometric optics, polarization, interference and diffraction. Later chapters delve into modern topics including laser physics and fiber optics, providing students with exposure to current research frontiers.

Each chapter opens with clear learning objectives and concludes with a comprehensive problem set ranging from conceptual questions to challenging quantitative exercises. Worked examples throughout the text demonstrate problem-solving techniques and reinforce key principles. Special attention is given to experimental methods and real-world applications, helping students connect theoretical concepts to observable phenomena.

The field of optics continues to evolve rapidly, with new discoveries and applications emerging regularly. While this text provides a solid foundation in established principles, I encourage students to view it as a launching point for further exploration of this fascinating and vital area of physics.

2Accessing This Textbook

This textbook is available online and can be accessed in multiple formats:

This book is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. This book is adapted from the Interactive Optics Textbook (https://books.open.tudelft.nl/home/catalog/book/232) developed at TU Delft. We acknowledge and thank the original authors for their foundational work, which has made this adaptation possible.

Martin Veillette

Chapters
Nature of Light