Light Propagation in Linear Optical Media

This book combines the treatment of light propagation through various media, interfaces, and apertures using scalar and vector diffraction theories in one volume. After covering the fundamentals of light and physical optics, the authors discuss light traveling within an anisotropic crystal and present mathematical models for light propagation across planar boundaries between different media. They describe the propagation of Gaussian beams and discuss various diffraction models for the propagation of light. They also explore methods for spatially confining (trapping) cold atoms within localized light-intensity patterns.