Book Description

Principles of Optics is one of the classic science books of the twentieth century, and probably the most influential book in optics published in the past forty years. This edition has been thoroughly revised and updated, with new material covering the CAT scan, interference with broad-band light and the so-called Rayleigh-Sommerfeld diffraction theory. This edition also details scattering from inhomogeneous media and presents an account of the principles of diffraction tomography to which Emil Wolf has made a basic contribution. Several new appendices are also included. This new edition will be invaluable to advanced undergraduates, graduate students and researchers working in most areas of optics. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Good book
It is just a rare book on physical optics based on Maxwell equations. Rarely a book states the assumptions,the validity of the equations, the principles and how the equations arrived. Certainly, it is a great book for postgraduates and researchers in physical optics not so for undergraduate students who don't want to go through all the mathematics.

A Classic
This book is a classic with all problems associated. Half of the reference quoted have been written before the WWII. Very useful if you like to quote original papers. This book cover most topics of the classical optics but hardy cover modern topics.

However, it is hard to read and use a weird notation. Certainly not useful for rapid referencing. Like the bible, use it only when you have serious problem to deal with.

the reference.
It is of course the reference for optics, and is very complete
and rigorous. I didn't learn optics from it, I only use it
as a reference and I suppose that is its function.
It feels a bit oldfashioned (for example, I haven't found
speckel applications in the chapter on coherence) but I
suppose that that is due to the fact that it is a classic.
My other, personal, objection is that I hate Gaussian
units, I prefer by far SI units. Even Jackson finally
conceded to switch to SI units, but Wolf clings on this
Gaussian system.

Good professional reference book, but not for students.
Already for many years, this is a classic on optics. Almost any subject you can think of is covered in this book, in a fundamental way. That is its strength and its weakness: experienced scientists will find everything they need, but for students it is not a good book because it is far to detailed: they will get lost in all the mathematical details before they grasp the essence of the subject.

This problem also exists - to a lesser extent - for professionals who try to use the book to fill in a gap in their knowledge: they too will find themselves asking why they have to read so many (well thought-through) pages before the authors finally make their point.

My advice: use other books to study from, and use this book when you are already experienced and need a high-quality reference work.

A note for scienctists: please mention section numbers when referring to this book in your own publications.

excellent to study from
The Born and Wolf Principles of Optics text is, without a doubt, a classic. At first, it was hard for me to get into the text because I could not see a physics test without problems or exercises at the end of every chapter, but I realized, through this book, that there was a better way to study. Now I'm getting more out of all the texts and journals I study by internalizing the information through memorization and so on instead of learning just enough to work the problems. What I learn from Born and Wolf will take me a long way. ... Read more

Book Description

Accurate, authoritative and comprehensive, Optics, Fourth Edition has been revised to provide readers with the most up-to-date coverage of optics. The market leader for over a decade, this book provides a balance of theory and instrumentation, while also including the necessary classical background. The writing style is lively and accessible.For college instructors, students, or anyone interested in optics. ... Read more

Reviews (21)

Too much fancy Talk, Not enough Examples
As an undergraduate I find this book incredibly confusing. Hecht seems to take pleasure in using fancy words and hyped up sentences when simpler statements will do. Instead of deriving equations by first starting with intuiton, then using substitution of previous results etc, he prefers to talk his way into derivations using sometimes page long reasoning. Sometimes it's Ok to let the equations speak for themselves. If this is considered the standard in optics textbooks I am afraid of opening the mess that other textbooks must be.

Great intro to Optics!
This is a wonderful introduction to the field of optics for an undergraduate with some background in physics and vector calculus (ideally a student at least in his or her sophomore year). The book has been said to be somewhat on the longer side, but because of the organization of the book it is easy to skip a couple of chapters that may be better covered in labs (e.g. geometrical optics and modern optics). Hecht has a clear style, outlines the required vector calculus and the wave equation in early chapters, which prepares the student for the rest of the book. Great stuff!

bad book!!! wasting time!!!
it is difficult to learn from. NO examples are found and I often found myself reading a section several times and still not feeling confident that I understood it.

Clear
I like this book. It explains things well. It's very well written and easy to read. It has a lot of data, well organized.

However, I think students ought to be disturbed by the outrageous $108 price tag. I happened by accident to have purchased instead a brand-new version of the special "low cost" edition - intended for distribution only *outside* the US and Canada - that, even with the secondary dealer markup, cost me under thirty bucks - and still presumeably left them a profit.

Feeling ripped off yet?

A good book if you're not in a hurry...
The best thing about Hecht's book are the long and thorough discussions about every topic. This makes the book very adequate for self studying. On the other hand, it can be very incovenient if you're using to book to study for your exams (as I did). So I do recomend Hecht as a first reading in Optics, but be sure that you're not in a hurry... ... Read more

Book Description

All of science springs from the observations of nature. In this classic book, the late Marcel Minnaert accompanies the reader on a tour of nature's light and color and reveals the myriad phenomena that may be observed outdoors with no more than a pair of sharp eyes and an enquiring mind. From the intriguing shape of the dapples beneath a tree on a sunny day, to rainbows, mirages, and haloes, to the colors of liquid, ice, and the sky, to the appearance of the sun, moon, planets, and stars - Minnaert describes and explains them all in a clear language accessible to the general reader.

The author's enthusiasm inspires the reader, who is encouraged and given abundant opportunity to make his or her own observations and perform simple experiments. Yet the phototgrapher, astronomer, or physicist will also find a wealth of detailed information, much available elsewhere, on more exotic phenomena assembled by Minnaert over many years. Among them are Sun dogs, the fata morgana, coronae, glories, noctilucent and iridescent clouds, and haloes.

This volume includes 80 new photographs, over half in color, illustrating many of the phenomena - ordinary and exotic - discussed in the book. Most of the new photos are by Pekka Parviainen, the renowned Finnish nature photographer.

FROM THE REVIEWS:

PHYSICALIA "Photographers, astronomers and physicists will find a wealth of information on light phenomena in nature such as sun dogs, fata morganas, coronae, glories, noctilucent and iridescent clouds and haloes. All phenomena are described and explained in a clear language accessible to both scientists and laymen. This book contains 13 chapters, in which 273 phenomena are carefully described...The descriptions are lavishly illustrated with drawings, black-and-white and color photographs. The physical basis of all phenomena is clearly explained...The 80 new photographs mostly by the renowned Finnish nature photographer Pekka Perviainen, included in this new edition, help greatly to make this book attractive. This book shows clearly how intense physics and many nature phenomena are interwoven. It is interesting reading for a scientific minded observer of nature, including physicists with a keen eye for physical phenomena outside the laboratory."

CRUISING WORLD "Minnaert flawlessly explicates natural and artificial light effects from rainbows, halos, and twinkling heavenly bodies to the rarer evanescent dewbows, coronas, eclipse eccentricities and legendary Fata Morgana. After studying, diagramming and occasionally justifying them with mathematical formulae, he assembled them into this colorful encyclopedia, which he has made surprisingly lively with literary references, folklore and personal reminiscences...It belongs in the cockpit where it will serve best those sailors who wish to see more deeply into the universe's fascinating empire of light."

OPTIK "From the intriguing shape of the dapples beneath a tree on a sunny day, to rainbows, mirages, and haloes, to the colors of liquid, ice, and the sky, to the appearance of the sun, moon, planets, and stars - Minnaert describes and explains them all in a clear language accessible to the layman. The author's enthusiasm inspires the reader, who is encourages and given abundant opportunity to make his or her own observations and perform simple experiments. Yet the photographer, astronomer, or physicist will also find a wealth of detailed information, much unavailable elsewhere, on more exotic phenomena assembled by Minnaert over many years...The book is an invitation to rejoice in nature and science."

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYICS "Minnaert's book is a gem!...It is a wonderful book that should be known by everyone who has an interest in the natural visual world. It has enriched my life and the lives of many people whom I know."

SKY & TELESCOPE "LIGHT AND COLOR IN THE OUTDOORS is a one volume reference that covers every imaginable interaction of atmosphere and light from rainbows and halos to Sun pillars and noctilucent clouds. First published in 1940...this definitive book is once again available."

EDWARD R. TUFTE, AUTHOR OF "THE VISUAL DISPLAY OF QUANTITATIVE INFORMATION" "A change-your-life classic . . . This deeply perceptive book changes our own perceptions of all kinds of light and color events in the outdoors. You will never see the same way again outdoors. Some examples involve elementary optics (which explain the visual phenomena) but nearly all the 278 short chapters can be appreciated by the visually alert reader. My favorite examples include dappled light, rainbows (there are always two), and differences between reflected and transmitted light in seeing leaves and grass. The Dover edition is fine; the Springer-Verlag edition is better with its excellent color photographs." ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A Change-Your-Life Classic
This deeply perceptive book changes our own perceptions of all kinds of light and color events in the outdoors. You will never see the same way again outdoors. Some examples involve elementary optics (which explain the visual phenomena) but nearly all the 278 short chapters can be appreciated by the visually alert reader. My favorite examples include dappled light, rainbows (there are always two), and differences between relected and transmitted light in seeing leaves and grass. The Dover edition is fine; the Springer-Verlag edition is better with its excellent color photographs.

Eye Pleasure
One of the most phenomenal books I've ever seen. This book describes and explains in very easily read prose, the complex visual phenomena of the natural world. It is almost a meditation on the natural world outdoors. I read it often not just as a reference. Be sure to read the introduction to the work. An excellent buy--I have purchased five copies over the years as gifts.

Great, great, great. Lives up to its promise.
Had the Dover edition (still available) for years, it's wonderful. Saw the updatedhardbound edition and shelled out fifty bucks on the spot, it's even better.If you have any interest in shadows, rainbows, halos, mirages, etc. you will find this book enormously satisfying. I've never seen such a wealth of phenomena so well observed, analyzed, and described. You will see more and notice more after you read this book. What is it? It's not quite optics, not quite natural history, not quite psychophysics or perceptual psychology. Unique. Reading Jack London and wonder what sun-dogs are? Reach for this book. Reading Hersey's "The War Lover" and wonder about the glory around airplane shadows? Reach for this book. ... Read more

Book Description

A textbook for elementary optical design that treats lasers, modulators, and scanners as part of the design process. Moves from the simplest concepts in optics to a basic understanding of ray tracing in optical systems, the components of those systems, and the process by which a design is produced. Features numerous problems, examples, and figures. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

The Zero star option was not available.
This book has not at all been tasteful for me. I think than the author should rename it: "How to design a laser printer for dummier". I honestly don't know why and what an example about laser printer is doing in such book. Ok, now because I read it I know how the laser printer I use work. But even that part is incomplete. I have seen in an optical handbook more and more information about that. Only the different point shape/pattern was a one page table and O¡¯Shea did not speak at all about that choice.

So, let¡¯s talk about this famous laser printer example. Just in itself you don¡¯t think so than such apparatus is more relevant of non imaging system and it¡¯s not at all a good end for a book about optic design in general. The right place to speak about that could be in some expert textbook witch one is really dedicated to non-imaging system.

I can't say this book is full of lack, hole and omission, etc. But It¡¯s really difficult to fellow where Mr. Donald C. O'Shea is interested to bring you.

Buyers Beware
I only had the opportunity to scan the texbook to extract technical info to understand a training manual written by Donald O'Shea for Photon Inc. (who makes the BeamScan machine). The manual is an absolute disaster: numerous diagrams are wrong; some instructions are incomplete; theory is given in hard-to-follow style. I got the training manual for free and did not have enough courage to buy O'Shea's textbook (at $130), i.e., if a training manual is that bad, the textbook must be in similar shape. I expected better from a PhD professor at Georgia Tech.

An Egineers Text
This is a great book. For a working engineer in optics it is one of the three you need to survive. I rate it just under Smith, and Kingslake for usable content; which is no small tribute. It is written in plain, clear Engish with worked numerical examples. Those examples are well chosen to cover the interesting uses of a technique. I'm paying the author the ultimate compliment. I'm in the process of ordering a second copy, since somebody snagged mine.

Good treatment of gaussian beam propagation
This is one of the few optics textbooks that includes an accessible, engineering-oriented discussion of gaussian beam propagation (Chapter 7). Useful for the designer of laser scanners, etc. That chapter alone makes this a book worth having.

This book was very clear and concise
O'Shea is probably the easiest reading optics book I have ever read. It had great examples and gave a very solid overview of many topics. The y-u ray tracing technique he lays out is very powerful yet simple and is a must-know method for quick and dirty design of optical systems. O'Shea doesn't go into extreme detail and really only includes vital equations so the book is more of a concept book than a dictionary of equations. Another great book to check out is "Introduction to Optics" by Pedrotti & Pedrotti. ... Read more

Book Description

Raman scattering is now being applied with increasing success to a wide range of practical problems at the cutting edge of materials science. The purpose of this book is to make Raman spectroscopy understandable to the non-specialist and thus to bring it into the mainstream of routine materials characterization. The book is pedagogical in approach and focuses on technologically important condensed-matter systems in which the specific use of Raman spectroscopy yields new and useful information. Included are chapters on instrumentation, bulk semiconductors and alloys, heterostructures, high-Tc superconductors, catalysts, carbon-based materials, wide-gap and super-hard materials, and polymers. ... Read more

Book Description

This paperback reprint of a classic book deals with all phases of light, color, and color vision, providing comprehensive data, formulas, concepts, and procedures needed in basic and applied research in color vision, colorimetry, and photometry. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Worth the money
This book has a ton of useful information from lighing science to technical color computations. The book (bible) has allot of data charts that can be used for sample or comparision calculations. If you are involved in Optics, Lighting, Illumination, industrial, automotive or aerospace. Then you got to get his book! ... Read more

Book Description

This is a comprehensive, applications-oriented introduction to geometrical optics, wave optics, and modern optics.Contains new chapters on laser beam characteristics and nonlinear optics; expanded coverage of fiber optics; new sections on ray tracing, thick lens, the Doppler effect, and evanescent waves; and valuable coverage of matrix treatment of polarization, Fraunhofer diffraction, Fourier optics, and more.An ideal introductory guide for the physics instructor, specifically those concentrating on optics. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Serves it¿s purposes, but not meant for physics students
We used this book for a one-semester undergraduate optics course. Readers should be aware of the fact that this textbook focuses more on the applications, not so much with theory. You only need the first-year introductory physics to keep up with the most stuff in the book, and the problem sets are very manageable with the answers to most problems provided at the end of the book. As a physics student, this made the entire course awfully boring and meaningless. I think many colleges teach optics after undergrad E&M, and if you are in one of those colleges, I strongly recommend NOT using this book as the textbook. Ideally, you would want take Maxwell equations as a starting point and going into diffraction theory, boundary value problems, etc., especially if you have already finished sophomore/junior level E&M. This book treats these only toward the end of the book. Who wants to bother with a bunch of geometrical optics, only to solve different kinds of problems without being exposed to new principles? I think an optics course in physics should be taught in a fashion that the phenomena in relation to Maxwell equations are illuminated. On a good side, I do think the book does a pretty good job of teaching the materials that it covers.

Not a good textbook
I don't see how anyone could approve of this book. I'm taking an udergraduate class in optics and the professor chose this book. It is the worst textbook I have ever had. And everyone else in my class agrees with me. If I don't understand or miss a lecture, there is no way I'm going to get up to speed by reading this book.

Solid, clear intro to optics
I used this book for an undergraduate optics class and felt that it was very clear and readable. It is good for a survey optics course, but it lacks some more technical information useful in the laboratory. For classwork and theory, it laid a good foundation. For lab work, I often found myself having to look to other books such as Hecht or Jenkins & White. It has since served as a good reference book for many basic concepts. The concepts and mathematical procedures can be found easily and quickly without wading through the technical parts. ... Read more

Book Description

This book describes the benefits of sensor fusion as illustrated by considering the characteristics of infrared, microwave, and millimeter-wave sensors, including the influence of the atmosphere on their performance, sensor system application scenarios that may limit sensor size but still require high resolution data, and the attributes of data fusion architectures and algorithms. The data fusion algorithms discussed in detail include classical inference, Bayesian inference, Dempster-Shafer evidential theory, artificial neural networks, voting logic as derived from Boolean algebra expressions, fuzzy logic, and detection and tracking of objects using only passively acquired data. A summary is presented of the information required to implement each of the data fusion algorithms discussed.

Weather forecasting, Earth resource surveys that use remote sensing, vehicular traffic management, target classification and tracking, military and homeland defense, and battlefield assessment are some of the applications that will benefit from the discussions of signature-generation phenomena, sensor fusion architectures, and data fusion algorithms provided in this text. ... Read more

Book Description

Absorption and Scattering of Light by Small Particles
Treating absorption and scattering in equal measure, this self-contained, interdisciplinary study examines and illustrates how small particles absorb and scatter light. The authors emphasize that any discussion of the optical behavior of small particles is inseparable from a full understanding of the optical behavior of the parent material-bulk matter. To divorce one concept from the other is to render any study on scattering theory seriously incomplete.
Special features and important topics covered in this book include:
* Classical theories of optical properties based on idealized models
* Measurements for three representative materials: magnesium oxide, aluminum, and water
* An extensive discussion of electromagnetic theory
* Numerous exact and approximate solutions to various scattering problems
* Examples and applications from physics, astrophysics, atmospheric physics, and biophysics
* Some 500 references emphasizing work done since Kerker's 1969 work on scattering theory
* Computer programs for calculating scattering by spheres, coated spheres, and infinite cylinders ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Excellent
Very good choice of topics. Clear presentation. Caters to a wide variety of audiences.

I'd give it a 5 if it included a chapter devoted practical aspects of experimental light scattering measurements, techniques, and instrumentation.

Very well written exposition, 1st-rate content.
The authors' lively and `user-friendly' style of presentation help bring material of an advanced nature within the reach of a larger number of readers than most books that deal with the subject at this level. I highly recommend this classic reference.

Excellent resource for motivated student or expert
I have found this to be a very useful reference for calculations of light-scattering properties of particles of various sizes and shapes. Discussions of subjects ranging from geometrical optics to Mie theory appear clear and complete. The book also includes computer algorithms for computing scattering properties of homogeneous spheres, coated spheres and cylinders.

One of the best books on light scattering.
This book must be on the table of every researcher in light scattering field. ... Read more

Book Description

The Wiley Classics Library consists of selected books that have become recognized classics in their respective fields. With these new unabridged and inexpensive editions, Wiley hopes to extend the life of these important works by making them available to future generations of mathematicians and scientists.
Currently available in the Series:

T. W. Anderson
The Statistical Analysis of Time Series
T. S. Arthanari & Yadolah Dodge
Mathematical Programming in Statistics
Emil Artin
Geometric Algebra
Norman T. J. Bailey
The Elements of Stochastic Processes
with Applications to the Natural Sciences
Robert G. Bartle
The Elements of Integration and
Lebesgue Measure
George E. P. Box & Norman R. Draper
Evolutionary Operation: A Statistical Method for Process Improvement
George E. P. Box & George C. Tiao
Bayesian Inference in Statistical Analysis
R. W. Carter
Finite Groups of Lie Type: Conjugacy Classes
and Complex Characters
R. W. Carter
Simple Groups of Lie Type
William G. Cochran & Gertrude M. Cox
Experimental Designs, Second Edition
Richard Courant
Differential and Integral Calculus, Volume I
RIchard Courant
Differential and Integral Calculus, Volume II
Richard Courant & D. Hilbert
Methods of Mathematical Physics, Volume I
Richard Courant & D. Hilbert
Methods of Mathematical Physics, Volume II

D. R. Cox
Planning of Experiments
Harold S. M. Coxeter
Introduction to Geometry, Second Edition
Charles W. Curtis & Irving Reiner
Representation Theory of Finite Groups and
Associative Algebras
Charles W. Curtis & Irving Reiner
Methods of Representation Theory
with Applications to Finite Groups
and Orders, Volume I
Charles W. Curtis & Irving Reiner
Methods of Representation Theory
with Applications to Finite Groups
and Orders, Volume II
Cuthbert Daniel
Fitting Equations to Data: Computer Analysis of
Multifactor Data, Second Edition
Bruno de Finetti
Theory of Probability, Volume I
Bruno de Finetti
Theory of Probability, Volume 2
W. Edwards Deming
Sample Design in Business Research ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A good textbook in statistical optics
Since I'm an optics graduate student beginning my research on image through atmosphere turbulance, I'm eager to find a book of statistic optics which can be both a classical one and easy of self-studying, in fact, I don't want to waste a lot of time jumping from one book to another trying to get the right one for me. One friend of mine introduced this book to me, also because it is written by goodman, whose book "Introduction to Fourier Optics" is one of the best books I've ever read, I did have a try on this book, "Statistical Optics". It's really well written and good organized, I read all through the book, especially on the chapter focus on the theory of partial coherence, imaging with partially coherent light, and atmospheric degradations of images. I obtained not only some basic concepts from it, even got some inspiration for the research work I'm doing. Thank you, Prof. Goodman. Thank you for offering another classical optics textbook to the optics student! ... Read more

Book Description

Quantum optics has witnessed significant theoretical and experimental developments in recent years. This book provides an in-depth and wide-ranging introduction to the subject, emphasizing throughout the basic principles and their applications. The book begins by developing the basic tools of quantum optics, and goes on to show the application of these tools in a variety of quantum optical systems, including lasing without inversion, squeezed states, and atom optics. The final four chapters discuss quantum optical tests of the foundations of quantum mechanics, and particular aspects of measurement theory. Assuming only a background of standard quantum mechanics and electromagnetic theory, and containing many problems and references, this book will be invaluable to graduate students of quantum optics, as well as to researchers in this field. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

An excellent introduction!
This is the best introductory text on quantum optics that I've read. Its very clear and up to date. The only book that compares as far as clarity of presentation is Loudon's "Quantum Theory of Light" which is a little out of date. This book is a must have for any grad. student in AMO physics ! ... Read more

Book Description

The material in this Field Guide derives from the treatment of geometrical optics that has evolved from both the undergraduate and graduate programs at the Optical Sciences Center at the University of Arizona. The development is both rigorous and complete, and it features a consistent notation and sign convention. This volume covers Gaussian imagery, paraxial optics, first-order optical system design, system examples, illumination, chromatic effects, and an introduction to aberrations. The appendices provide supplemental material on radiometry and photometry, the human eye, and several other topics. ... Read more

Book Description

In-depth manual for students, teachers and hobbyists on how to create holograms easily and inexpensively.

Basic Concepts in Holography
The History of Holography
What Lasers Are and How They Work
Complete List of What's Needed
Where to Find the Materials
10 Steps to Creating Your Hologram
Advanced Experiments with Fiber Optics
Careers In Lasers and Photonics ... Read more

Reviews (5)

A great place to start.
This is an excellent book for those looking into and exploring holography. It demistifies a lot of the jargon associated with holography, as well as the most difficult part... correct development. Unlike what another reviewer said, this book is up to date and has good sources for materials. I would not suggest this book for those who are already making holograms, it is really for those just starting out. But it is almost perfect for those beginers. The only downfall of this book is it's lack of setup diagrams, it only illustrates one. This keeps things simple but does not allow you to progress unless you do research outside the scope of the book. Over all this is an excellent book that truely makes "real" holography easy enough and cheap enough for anyone to do.

Not recommended
This book is quite out of date. The supplier it lists for the plates no longer supplies them. The new supplier described "Shoebox Holography" in terms I can't post on a public website. Avoid this book; I wish I had.

A EDUCATOR"S DREAM
I have used this book personally, I have used it in my high school Communications Technology lab, and it works. After reading the book, and introducing the world of Shoebox Holography to my student, it was like a DREAM COME TRUE. The students are are not only learning how to make holograms but it is the knowledge they learn from the process. The Science, Math, and Technology they learn, from the process, becomes MEANINGFUL to them. This book not only covers the process of holography it also goes into great detail of laser and fiber optic technology. It excites all levels of high school students and they actually run to class to make their holograms. It has also been useful to build teamwork in the classroom. By creating teams they learn to work, communicate, and rely on each others abilities. The book has illustrations and photos that explain the concept along with the written directions. I have been teaching for 23 years and this is the best classroom tool I have seen in years. I am going to order classroom sets, of this book, for my students to use in their studies. I highly recommend this book.

An Awesome Book of Never Ending Information!
As a 12 year old first time science fair competitor, I was happy to achieve 1st place! My topic and information was taken from Mr.Frank DeFreitas' book. This book got me through the hard times of the project. It was so easy to navigate through the book, that I could find how to fix my problems immediately. The Shoe Box Holography Method was very easy to use but at the same time exerted a good amount of challenge. It gave the basic fundamental priciples of making a hologram, and showed me a piece of the future which is not far away! After doing this project, I instantly wanted to know more, and by looking deeper into the book, I came across more advanced projects! I don't think I will outgrow this book for a while. It's information goes on forever! Lastly, I recommend this book for someone who wants an awesome science fair topic, a piece of the future, or to discover an exciting hobby!

THANK YOU MR.FRANK DEFREITAS !

Guidebook for Your Holography Future ! !
Regardless of your age or your knowledge of holography, this wonderful book will guide you into a holography exploration where your talents and imagination will produce marvelous holograms. Students will obtain "award" winning results if you chose the "shoebox" method for science fair competitions. But more important - HOLOGRAPHY IS FUN,REWARDING,and will be YOUR FUTURE - Frank DeFreitas' book just makes your journey the best experience it can possibly be! Outstanding in all areas. ... Read more

Book Description

Paras Prasad’s text provides a basic knowledge of a broad range of topics so that individuals in all disciplines can rapidly acquire the minimal necessary background for research and development in biophotonics. Introduction to Biophotonics serves as both a textbook for education and training as well as a reference book that aids research and development of those areas integrating light, photonics, and biological systems. Each chapter contains a topic introduction, a review of key data, and description of future directions for technical innovation. Introduction to Biophotonics covers the basic principles of

• Optics
  
• Optical spectroscopy
  
• Microscopy

Each section also includes illustrated examples and review questions to test and advance the reader’s knowledge. Sections on biosensors and chemosensors, important tools for combating biological and chemical terrorism, will be of particular interest to professionals in toxicology and other environmental disciplines. Introduction to Biophotonics proves a valuable reference for graduate students and researchers in engineering, chemistry, and the life sciences. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Biological Sciences Graduate Student
Like many introduction to optics books published by Wiley, this book is well organized and gives an excellent overview with some good illustrations (terrible representation of Optical Coherence Tomography). It is a good overview of many areas like bioimaging and biosensors. As a biological science graduate student, I found the few formulas easy to understand. FRET and FLIM should have been developed better. The web references are convenient.
I definitely recommend this book to anyone wanting to have a good overview on different biological optical applications. ... Read more

Book Description

The definition of "photonics" has been broadened in recent years to include nonlinear and quantum optics, today usually based on laser light. This book covers the fundamental properties of photon and light beams, both experimentally and theoretically. It covers the essentials of linear interactions and most of the nonlinear interactions between light and matter in both the transparent and absorbing cases. It also provides a basic knowledge of modern lasers, as well as the principles of nonlinear optical spectroscopy. It is self-consistent and enriched by a large number of calculated illustrations, examples, and descriptive tables. Graduate students in physics and electrical engineering, as well as other sciences, will find this book a thorough introduction to the field, while for lecturers and scientists it offers a rich source of useful information and a ready-to-hand reference. About 4000 references open access to original literature.

FROM THE REVIEWS:

PHYSICS TODAY "The result is a clear compendium of useful information, giving quick snapshots of concepts in linear and nonlinear spectroscopy." ... Read more

Book Description

This text provides a number of concepts, definitions, and tools useful to students who wish to develop a basic understanding of colorimetry and color vision. Those who have experience in the field will find a compendium of data and other information previously unavailable in a single publication. Numerous references provide a considerable bibliography for readers looking to deepen their knowledge of this fascinating subject. ... Read more

Book Description

Handbook of Photovoltaic Science and Engineering incorporates the most recent technological advances and research developments in photovoltaics. All topics relating to the photovoltaic (PV) industry are discussed and each chapter has been written by an internationally-known expert in the field.

Detailed treatment covers:

• scientific basis of the photovoltaic effect and solar cell operation
• the production of solar silicon and of silicon-based solar cells and modules
• the science and technology of up-and-coming thin film PV technologies
• how choice of semiconductor materials and their production influence costs and performance
• high-performance approaches for concentrators and space applications
• new types of organic dye-based solar cells
• making measurements on solar cells and modules and how to relate results under standardised test conditions to real outdoor performance
• photovoltaic system installation and operation of components such as inverters and batteries.
• architectural applications of building-integrated PV
• finance and the role of investors: public funding and policy in promoting PV world-wide

Book Description

A pedagogical classic and an essential reference for anyone engaged in research in molecular spectroscopy, focusing on the mathematics involved in detailed vibrational analyses of polyatomic molecules. Leads the reader gradually from application of wave mechanics to potential functions and methods of solving the secular determinant. 16 appendices.
... Read more

Reviews (3)

very good...
In this one, Wilson writes definitively, math/scientifically, and with sincerity of purpose. Don't get confused by the word 'theory.' There's as much math in here as Born and Wolf's P of O. The only diffenrence is Wilson's is much more algebra-based. The mathematics (i.e. isomorphs) is 'taught', without breaking the flow, and is not assumed that you know the stuff already--- or can find it somewhere else. This book stands out because there is more science in here than names of scientists, and his references are for real. I would also say it was unique because books with titles like 'Molecular Vibrations' are usually skipped over for titles like 'mechanics' or 'quantum theory.' Spectroscopy was a major advancement in science, and it is good to see it skillfully treated with enlightening clarity.

A MUST HAVE for those dealing with B matrix methods
This is the original work by E.B.Wilson where the G and F matrix formalism is presented. The G matrix, related to kinetic vibrational energy is built uppon the elements of the B matrix defined from "internal coordinates". Many quantum chemistry software packages use this exact methodology to build normal coordinates. For those working on Quantum Chem Molecular Orbital calculations, this book is a must.

1955 classic
Reissue of original, which was published in 1955, in the pre-computer age. Solid QM description of vibrating polyatomic molecules, and their interaction with EM radiation. The authors exploit group theory (molecular symmetry) to reduce the calculational work as much as possible. Good introduction to the use of finite groups, e.g. how to exploit the hexagonal symmetry of the benzene molecule. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Why is the sky blue? Why do mountains glow in the dark? Is the darkest always before the dawn?

An ideal reference to have on hand in answering questions such as these, Color and Light in Nature is an endlessly fascinating exploration of phenomena that are familiar to us all, but that even trained scientists take for granted. Take the question of why stars twinkle, for instance: twinkling, astronomers Lynch and Livingston observe, is strongest with stars that are low in the sky, and then on a clear and windy night, when starlight passing through the atmosphere encounters little pockets of turbulence that bend its rays "momentarily away from our eyes." Sunlight undergoes similar distortions, yielding mirages, "blinks," sundogs, halos, rainbows, "mountain light," and other wonders of nature, all of which the authors describe and explain in clear and accessible prose.

Lynch and Livingston encourage their readers to seek out and study these phenomena for themselves, writing, for instance, "No effort should be spared to witness at least one total eclipse in your lifetime." They go on to make a good case for why that should be so, and why the workings of light and color should be of interest to students of science. Their book is a lively companion and teacher. --Gregory McNamee ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Incredible book!
I have thoroughly enjoyed this treasure of a book. Wonderful, clear text and beautiful photographs to illustrate all phenomena described! This would be a terrific read for anyone interested in science, physics, and nature. Definitely worth the money!

Enjoyable account of light in nature
This book is intended for people who are intrigued or awed by the way light is expressed in nature. It describes many natural phenomena involving light, including shadows, the color of the sky, clouds, mirages, halos, rainbows, the effects of ice in the atmosphere and much more. The intended audience in my eyes consists mainly of people who like physics but the beautiful color full-page pictures and tips on taking them also make this book a great resource for anyone interested in photography. Even physics students can benefit from this book (although it is intended for laymen, so no equations are used) - the book shows them interesting manifestations of optics in nature. The book also makes a nice gift for people who enjoy nature and would like to know how it "works". Highly recommended!

A Cinematographers Delight !
I am sorry to see that this title is out of print. "Color and Light In Nature" is a wonderful look at the ways that light touches us everyday. I recommend this title for Directors of Photography as well as anyone captivated by light.

Look for big things from this spunky up-coming go-getter!
Noted solar astronomer Bill Livingston, PhD is a talented photographer in addition to his amazing astonomy skills. The menagerie of photographs showcases his blossoming picture-taking magic. Look for big things from this spunky up-coming go-getter! ... Read more

Book Description

An updated and revised second edition of the acclaimed classic
Have you ever wondered why the sky is blue, or a ruby red? This classic volume studies the physical and chemical origins of color by exploring fifteen separate causes of color and their varied and often subtle occurrences in biology, geology, mineralogy, the atmosphere, technology, and the visual arts. It covers all of the fundamental concepts at work and requires no specialized knowledge.
Author Kurt Nassau includes hundreds of illustrations, tables, and photographs-as well as end-of-chapter problems-that aid in visualizing the concepts discussed. An updated bibliography permits readers to pursue their own particular interests and an expanded series of appendices cover advanced topics.
The Physics and Chemistry of Color, Second Edition is a one-of-a-kind treatment of color that provides both detailed physical and chemical properties of color and a more general overview of the subject. It will prove highly useful to specialists and non-specialists alike-and fascinate those with varied interests from optics to art history. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A very readable treatment of the subject
Nassau succeeds in presenting a very readable treatment on the causes of color in natural and synthetic materials. He strikes a good balance between technical detail and ease of digestion, and leaves the more complex material for appendices.

The volume is enlightening, informative, fairly complete and enjoyable reading, even for those casually interested in the subject.

Very readable reference work for science people.
Discusses a number of topics in a short and clear way. Of course more topics could be discussed and more in depth, but Nassau does a good job keeping the book small and pleasantly readable. After reading it you will have gained a fair insight in the diversity of colour generation. Photo's could be better.

Extremely interesting and comprehensive discussion.
The book goes through the causes of color in a very well organized manner. The author discusses incandescence, fluorescence, phosphorescence, ligand field theory and all other causes of color. It is written so that any reader with a bachelors degree in chemistry or physics could easily understand it. It contains very informative appendices. I highly recommend the book to science types who are interested in color and its causes. ... Read more