Introduction to Optics

The book introduces university undergraduates
to the fascinating world of the science of light. Contemporary physics
programmes are under increasing pressure to provide a balance between
coverage of several traditional branches of physics and to expose
students to emerging research areas. It is therefore important to
provide an in depth introduction to some branches of physics, such as
optics, to students who may not become professional physicists but will
need physics in their chosen professions. Some Universities offer optics
as semester courses while others offer it as modules within general
physics courses in the degree programme. The book meets the needs of
both approaches.

Optics has three major branches: Geometrical
optics, Physical optics and Quantum optics. Chapter 1 is about the
nature of light. Geometrical optics is covered in chapters 2 to 5,
Physical optics in chapters 6 to 8, and Quantum optics in chapter 9, and
lays a foundation for advanced courses in applied quantum optics.

The
language of physics is universal, and the book is suited to students
globally. However, the book recognises certain peculiarities in Africa,
and is written to meet the specific needs of students in African
Universities. Some students come from well equipped schools while other
students come from less well equipped schools. These two groups of
students attending the same course have different needs. The well
prepared students need challenge, while the others need to be taught in
fair detail. The book has therefore detailed discussions and
explanations of difficult-to-grasp topics with the help of simple but
clearly drawn and labeled diagrams. The discussions and conclusions are
presented pointwise, and key words, definitions, laws, etc., are
highlighted. There are a large number of problems and exercises at the
end of each chapter.