Relativistic Optics: Recommended Texts for Deeper Learning

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter ralqs
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Optics Relativistic
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on recommended texts for studying relativistic optics, highlighting key papers by R. Penrose and J. Terrell from 1959. Participants suggest exploring books on accelerator physics for insights into beam optics, which are relevant to relativistic phenomena. Additionally, gravitational lensing is identified as a significant topic of interest. The Australian National University (ANU) is mentioned as a resource for further inquiries and recommendations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of relativistic physics concepts
  • Familiarity with optics and light behavior
  • Knowledge of accelerator physics
  • Basic principles of gravitational lensing
NEXT STEPS
  • Research R. Penrose's work in Proc. Camb. Phil. Soc. 55, 137 (1959)
  • Study J. Terrell's paper in Physical Review 116, 1041 (1959)
  • Explore accelerator physics textbooks focusing on beam optics
  • Investigate gravitational lensing techniques and their applications
USEFUL FOR

Students and researchers in physics, particularly those focusing on optics, relativistic phenomena, and gravitational lensing, will benefit from this discussion.

ralqs
Messages
97
Reaction score
1
Light seems to exhibit a number of interesting phenomena when relativity is taken into account. I wanted to learn more about it; the texts I have only deal superficially with optics. Could anyone recommend a good text(s)?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
A couple of well known papers:
R. Penrose, Proc. Camb. Phil. Soc. 55, 137 (1959).
J. Terrell, Physical Review 116, 1041 (1959).

You might want to look at books on accelerator physics, since they will deal with beam optics, and the beams can be relativistic.

Another topic of interest would be gravitational lensing.

There is a group at ANU that works on this kind of thing: http://www.anu.edu.au/Physics/Searle/ You might want to contact them and ask for suggestions.
 

Similar threads

Other Recommendation: Graduate level thermo/Stat mech text
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
5K
Engineering Is a career in Optics/Photonics engineering right for me?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Resource Request for Relativistic Mechanics
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Undergrad Bell's spaceship paradox unknown? Interpretation?
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
2K
Courses I am a graduate student in quantum optics. Should I learn QFT?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Solid State Texts on Topological Effects/Phases in Materials
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Physics Lost undergrad looking for advice on career path and grad school
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
Undergrad Inertial Mass as Speedometer: Physics & Universe
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K
Textbook Recommendations: Complex Analysis
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
8K
Undergrad Question on the energy needed to go at a relativistic speed
  • · Replies 30 ·
2
Replies
30
Views
3K