The state-of-the-art full-colored handbook gives in six volumes a comprehensive introduction to the principles and the practice of calculation, layout and understanding of optical systems and lens design. Written by reputed industrial experts in the field the user is introduced to the basic properties of optical systems, aberration theory, classification and characterization of systems, advanced simulation models, measuring of system quality and manufacturing issues. More than 3,000 full-colored illustrations and images support the reader and supply an easy understanding of complex optical systems and optical modeling.

Volume 1: Fundamentals of Technical Optics
Volume 2: Physical Image Formation
Volume 3: Aberration Theory and Correction of Optical Systems
Volume 4: Survey of Optical Instruments
Volume 5: Metrology of Optical Components and Systems
Volume 6: Advances Physical Optics

In this volume
Volume 2 continues the introduction given in volume 1 with the more advanced texts about the foundations of image formation. Emphasis is placed on an intuitive while theoretically exact presentation. Totally more 400 color graphs and selected references on the end of each chapter support this undertaking.

From the contents:

17 Wave equation
18 Diffraction
19 Interference and coherence
20 Imaging
21 Imaging with partial coherence
22 Three dimensional imaging
23 Polarization
24 Polarization and optical imaging
A1 Mathematical appendix