How can I go from high school level to understanding advanced optics?

[nicetonietzche]

I've long had a fascination with optics and have deicded to study it seriously. I want to go from high school level education to being able to understand ’ðs; xÞ ¼ Ai s 
x
2

2
þ iax
" #
exp as 
ax2
2 
ix3
12 þ ia2 x
2 þ is
x
2


:
or something to that effect. I want to learn about spatial light modulators, Fourier planes, wave optics, holography, interference patterns, the whole works. I just need someone to point me in the right direction. Where do I start?

 

[etudiant]

You're looking at a mathematics program.
Optics is essentially applied mathematics, as you've already discovered. The nice thing is that facility with the mathematics needed for optics is also an open sesame for electronics more generally.
Go for it and good luck!