'The material is presented in a logical sequence of gradually increasing complexity … there are two sets of problems given at the end of each chapter, the first of which ('homework problems') should be soluble from a reading of the text alone, whilst the second set ('research problems') requires the student to obtain and independently read original papers describing material not discussed in the book. This book should therefore provide an excellent graduate-level introduction to the principles and applications of optics in modern-day engineering practice.' M. J. Adams, The Aeronautical Journal

• 1. Radiometry; 2. Geometrical optics; 3. Maxwell's equations; 4. Properties of electromagnetic waves; 5. Propagation and applications of polarized light; 6. Interference effects and their applications; 7. Diffraction effects and their applications; 8. Introduction to the principles of quantum mechanics; 9. Atomic and molecular energy levels; 10. Radiative transfer between quantum states; 11. Spectroscopical techniques for thermodynamical measurements; 12. Optical gain and lasers; 13. Propagation of laser beams.

'The material is presented in a logical sequence of gradually increasing complexity … there are two sets of problems given at the end of each chapter, the first of which ('homework problems') should be soluble from a reading of the text alone, whilst the second set ('research problems') requires the student to obtain and independently read original papers describing material not discussed in the book. This book should therefore provide an excellent graduate-level introduction to the principles and applications of optics in modern-day engineering practice.' M. J. Adams, The Aeronautical Journal

• 1. Radiometry; 2. Geometrical optics; 3. Maxwell's equations; 4. Properties of electromagnetic waves; 5. Propagation and applications of polarized light; 6. Interference effects and their applications; 7. Diffraction effects and their applications; 8. Introduction to the principles of quantum mechanics; 9. Atomic and molecular energy levels; 10. Radiative transfer between quantum states; 11. Spectroscopical techniques for thermodynamical measurements; 12. Optical gain and lasers; 13. Propagation of laser beams.