Classical Optics by Eugene Hecht | Buy on Amazon

[Greg Bernhardt]

• Author: Hecht, or Hecht & Zajak, depending on the edition
• Title: Optics
• Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0805385665/?tag=pfamazon01-20
  Cheaper, used, older edition: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004HX9WXM/?tag=pfamazon01-20
• Prerequisities: Electricity and magnetism; multivariable calculus
• Contents:

User comments:

• Redbelly98:
  Over the last 30 or so years, this has become a standard textbook for an introductory optics course typically taken by college juniors or seniors. I often refer to it to refresh my background since using it for a course in 1987.

 

[fluidistic]

I used this book for my lower level undergraduate Optics course. I liked it a lot. From what I remember it covers a lot for a first course on optics, has neat explanations and many problems (if I remember well, the solution to odd numbered problems are in the back of the book). I have not found any better book for an introduction to optics.

 

[Lavabug]

Despite having taken 2 optics courses I never got much use out of this one, which was one of the recommended texts. I thought it was way too verbose and not concise at all.

I hear the schaum's outline for optics (same author) is very good though.

 

[Mmm_Pasta]

Just like Lavabug, I found the text very verbose. The figures found throughout the text are informative, though. There is a good selection of problems.

I would not use this text as a reference, but would use it to brush up on problem solving.

 

[Dr Transport]

...

I hear the schaum's outline for optics (same author) is very good though.

I kinda agree, the book is good, but I find the Schaum's more appealing and easier to find needed information.

 

[Tsunoyukami]

I agree that Hecht's Optics is far too wordy. That being said, however, I found it explained (most) concepts well, if in a wordy manner. I definitely appreciated the large number of exercises!