Principles of Physical Optics

Breathing a breath of fresh air into the field of optics, Principles of Physical Optics is the first new entry in the field in the last 20 years. It provides readers with a completely modern approach to the subject, covering a wide range of topics. This includes detailed discussions on geometric optics, superposition and interference, and diffraction. Readers will also find the latest information on lasers, optical imaging, polarization, and nonlinear optics.

Charles A. Bennett received his Doctorate at North Carolina State University, and is Professor of Physics at the University of North Carolina at Asheville. His research interests include quantum and physical optics, and laser applications in environmental and fusion energy research. He has collaborated with Oak Ridge National Laboratory since 1983, where he is currently an adjunct research and development associate of the Advanced Laser and Optical Technology and Development group. In addition to his work in optics, Dr. Bennett has a long record of innovation in educational technology, particularly in the integration of active media into on-line homework. He is a past director of the UNCA Center for Teaching and Learning, and has received UNCA's most prestigious recognition for scholarship: the Ruth and Leon Feldman Professorship for 1996-1997.