Introduction to Optics

Introduction to Optics

SIMONE MALACRIDA

The following basic physics topics are presented in this book:

geometrical optics

diffractive optics

hints of nonlinear optics

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Simone Malacrida (1977)

Engineer and writer, has worked on research, finance, energy policy and industrial plants.

ANALYTICAL INDEX

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INTRODUCTION

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I – BASIC GEOMETRIC OPTICS

Introduction

Laws of refraction and reflection

Diffraction

Interference

Lenses and mirrors

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II – ADVANCED GEOMETRIC OPTICS

Matrix description

Dispersion

Optical effects

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III – DIFFRACTIVE AND NON-LINEAR OPTICS

Diffractive optics: introduction

Diffractive optics: definition of wave phenomena

Fundamentals of nonlinear optics

Final note on the nature of light

INTRODUCTION

In this book the main physical questions concerning optics are presented.

The study of this discipline began systematically in the seventeenth century by developing the so-called geometric optics.

The evolution of the different optical systems, such as lenses, mirrors, telescopes and telescopes, has allowed a vast application of this scientific sector.

Some mathematical formalisms, such as that of matrix notation, have become fundamental for the study of this subject.

In addition to this, the discovery of the electromagnetic field has given optics a new, and more intriguing, position within modern and contemporary science.

Visible light is nothing but an electromagnetic wave and, therefore, the same characteristics of the electromagnetic field gave birth to diffractive optics.

This evolution has led