Introduction to Ray, Wave, and Beam Optics with Applications

This book will present the basics of ray and wave optics. It will cover these topics in two parts. Part I: In part I, this book will cover geometric optics, that is a treatment of light as rays and present ways of designing conventional optical systems (made with mirrors and refractive lenses).

The book will provide exercises that can be done along with the content using an optical design software such as Zemax or OSLO. Using the design software will make learning easier, as the different concepts can be modelled and explained through the graphs that will be generated by the software. This part will provide readers with the basics to start designing and analysing actual optical systems. Part II: In part II, this book will look at light when its wave nature dominates. In this part, concepts such as interference and diffraction will be discussed. Different types of beams will be introduced very briefly. The Gaussian beam will be dealt in some detail but even here, rather than provide a detailed theoretical derivation, an intuitive understanding of the beam will be presented. The idea is to present these beams in such a way their properties are understood, rather than give a mathematical justification for their existence. I will also introduce ways in which such beams can be created. This knowledge, along with the beam properties will give engineers the ability to use these beams in various applications.

Key Features:

• Provides an introduction to wave and ray optics suitable for engineers, scientists, and those from multidisciplinary fields

• Presents basics and fundamental optics

• Includes Zemax different concepts can be modelled and explained through the graphs that will be generated by the software

• Discusses interference and diffraction * Covers the different types of beams including their properties