Physical optics. Fundamentals

The book "Physical Optics" serves primarily as a teaching support for students taking courses in optics and related disciplines, such as Quantum Optics, Photonics or Optical Devices, and complements the notions of Geometric Optics through a distinct approach, offering a fundamental presentation of the wave-particle duality of light. It proposes both a detailed own interpretation of the electromagnetic nature of light radiation, based on the analysis and interpretation of remarkable phenomena, such as polarization, interference and diffraction of light, along with their various practical applications, but also a fundamental presentation of the optical phenomena characteristic of the photonic model. The book is useful not only for understanding the basic concepts, but also for preparing for the research and application of optical technologies in various industries, from optical communications to medical imaging and space sciences.