Which Optics Textbook Is Best for Beginners?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers around the suitability of M. Born & E. Wolf's "Principles of Optics" for beginners in optics. While the book is recognized for its comprehensive coverage of fundamental concepts such as propagation, diffraction, and coherence, it is deemed too advanced for those new to the subject. Participants suggest looking for more accessible undergraduate-level optics textbooks to complement the foundational knowledge required before tackling Born and Wolf's work.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of geometrical optics concepts
  • Familiarity with physical optics principles
  • Basic knowledge of classical mechanics
  • Introduction to electromagnetism
NEXT STEPS
  • Research introductory optics textbooks suitable for undergraduate students
  • Explore the fundamentals of geometrical optics
  • Study the principles of physical optics
  • Review classical mechanics concepts as outlined in Goldstein's book
USEFUL FOR

Students beginning their studies in optics, educators seeking textbook recommendations, and anyone looking to build a solid foundation in optical principles before advancing to more complex materials.

fluidistic
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I just started an introductory course dealing with geometrical optics for now and maybe some physical optics later (undergraduate level). I've heard that M. Born & E. Wolf's Principles of Optics is a good book. Can you suggest another book? Also, would you suggest the Born/Wolf book for a first approach with optics?
I've looked through this forum (Sc. book discussion) and the few threads related to Optics didn't get any answer. I hope to have more luck!
 
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I am not an optics expert by any stretch, but I am familiar with Born and Wolf. It is old-fashioined and dense, yet contains a lot of good material on fundamentals of propagation, diffraction, coherence, etc. However, by no means is it introductory! It is at a similar level as Jackson's EM book.

jason
 
Ok thanks. I'll be looking for it. I'm also starting classical mechanics (level of Goldstein's book) and Electromagnetism (Jackson's book) aside; yet I didn't take any intro to Optics course. But I guess I can catch up with some upper level undergraduate Optics textbook so thanks a lot for the suggestion.
 

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