Introduction to Matrix Methods in Optics (Dover Books on Physics)

This book may not be what you're looking for - but it was exactly what I was looking for. I was lead to pick up this book by my study of another book  Principles of Lasers  (4th edition), which is a graduate level laser physics text. I got through the quantum sections of the book without too much problem, but then upon reaching the optics portion I came to the realization that I needed a more basic study of optics before I proceeded. So taking a break from Lasers I turned to finding a good optics book. I first I tried a more general textbook that had way too much introductory information that I didn't want or need and nowhere near enough of the specific topics that I did want and need. Then I discovered Matrix Methods in Optics by Gerrard and Burch - Eureka.There's only five chapters to this book, so if you're looking for a general introduction to optics this will not work for you. I skipped the introductory first chapter, but then dove in to the second chapter (Paraxial Ray Approximation) and the third (Optical Resonators). I have not yet gotten to chapters four and five (Polarization Optics and Propagation of Light in a Crystal respectively) as they go beyond my purposes. Bottom line is that if you need an in-depth, straightforward course in any of those four topics listed in chapters 2 - 5 and that without a lot of extraneous material this is the book for you.

It's really awesome book.

This book is very inexpensive (thanks again, Dover), and talks about all sorts of matrix methods in optics: ABCD matrices for paraxial ray tracing, Jones matrices, coherency matrices, and Stokes parameters for polarization, among other things.It's not a terribly deep book, but it is readable, lucid, and complete. It got me up to speed rapidly on an area I was fuzzy in, so for well under twenty simoleons, it's a great bargain.

A very well written introduction to matrix optics. Problems shown are not the best choices for an introductory text.Dr. Edward Collettpolawave@aol.com

If you are already involved in optical computations, but have forgotten some fundamental tricks, this book is for you. As a trainer or reference it is difficult and obtuse. It is a string of mathematical methods linked together by math relationships rather than application to optic relationships. It was not of much help.However, it is very inexpensive in the paperback form. You get what you pay for I guess.

Was recommended the book by a coworker and is exactly what I needed. The seller was great in communicating the details about delivery and with any questions I had.

I really liked this book, but then my needs are probably different from the other two reviewers. I was looking for a book that concentrated on the mathematics of optics. Specifically I needed something that would show, given point A and a particular optical system, where would the translated version point B occur, and how could I express this in simple mathematical terms. My need was having a good book on the mathematics of optics without the need to wade through the details of the EM theory of Hecht, which if you are into pure optics, is an essential book. However, I am a computer scientist writing code to simulate optical effects rather than a physicist.If you are interested in the mathematics of light, I can't think of a better reference. It even begins with a review of matrix algebra in case you are a bit rusty on the subject. It then applies matrix methods to paraxial rays through a cascade of lenses using the Jones transfer matrix approach. The book then covers optical resonators for lasers with Gaussian beams, followed by a chapter on polarization effects using the Muller matrix approach. If you don't already know the background material, chapter four on the polarization of light and the Stokes equations can be rough going. The Jones and Muller matrix calculations are derived in the appendix. The math in this book is well presented, but there is little indication of where you are going with this material in the grand scheme of things.

Had just about the information a needed. It could have a little bit more examples for a more clear approach. It was pretty useful.

Well written, concentrates on instrumental / laser optics , sadly for me less on ophthalmic / optometry problems.