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Principles of optics;: Electromagnetic theory of propagation, interference, and diffraction of light,

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The latest edition of the author's classic work in the field of Physical Optics incorporating revisions to the text and illustrations as well as references to recent contributions to the literature.


The historical introduction is followed by detailed information clearly presented on all aspects of the subject including Basic Properties of the Electromagnetic Field, Geometrical Theory of Optical Imaging, Elements of the Theory of Aberrations and the
Optics of Crystals. Reviews of previous `Principles of Optics still stands out as the central source of information for any serious student or research worker of optical science.' Applied Optics `It can be recommended without reserve as the
one that every serious worker in optics should have on his bookshelf.' Optics and Laser `As a result of the rigor, completeness, and elegance in the presentation of classical optics by Born and Wolf, the Principles of Optics will very likely remain for
many more years the unsurpassed reference book for the mature, experienced, and serious optical scientist and engineer.' Circuits and Systems

836 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1980

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About the author

Max Born

172 books48 followers
Max Born (was a German-British physicist and mathematician who was instrumental in the development of quantum mechanics. He also made contributions to solid-state physics and optics and supervised the work of a number of notable physicists in the 1920s and 30s. Born won the 1954 Nobel Prize in Physics (shared with Walther Bothe).

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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
Profile Image for T Dodson.
21 reviews5 followers
March 25, 2015
The information was good, but it was scattered. Many times a concept would be here or there and sometimes as different variables in different chapters. The math was also not well explained and unnecessarily heady.
14 reviews
December 11, 2022
Very thorough treatment of optics from Maxwell's equation. My only wish is that they had practice problems. A necessary reference text for anyone working optics.
Profile Image for psb.
38 reviews
March 24, 2008
It is the standard.

One of the few books with septuple integrals.
Profile Image for Veronika Lapina.
7 reviews35 followers
August 25, 2016
insides on diffraction as a theoretical concept, really might help one to deal with the way new materialist analysis employs diffractive reading
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews

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