Introduction to the Theory of Coherence and Polarization of Light
"A succinct and informal, yet precise, account of the theory of optical phenomena involving fluctuating fields, distilling a lifetime's wisdom by a master of the subject."Michael Berry, Bristol University"This is a wonderfully accessible, but fully rigorous, account of classical coherence theory. The book leads us from the basic descriptors of random processes through to advanced concepts of coherence and polarization.  It's a little gem that should make this tricky subject easier to understand."Chris Dainty, National University of Ireland, Galway and Imperial College, London"Emil Wolf's new book presents in an accessible, student-friendly manner the theory of partially coherent light, written by one of the world's leading researchers in this field.  It includes treatments of the very latest results, such a coherence-induced spectra changes and partially polarized light, and fills a notable gap in the literature."Daniel James, University of Toronto"This is a superb introduction to a subject of central importance to modern optics, and one to which perhaps no one has contributed more than Emil Wolf. Students and researchers seeking a readable account of the coherence and polarization of light will likely find exactly what they need in this attractively thin volume."Peter Milonni, Los Alamos National Laboratory"Professor Wolf's latest book on coherence succinctly summarizes his many years of research experience in the field and presents a finely tuned presentation for students."Eric van Stryland, CREOL, University of Central Florida"A comprehensive treatment that is the first to connect the subjects of coherence and polarization, written by one of the pioneers of physical optics."Taco D. Visser, Free University, Amsterdam"... a reliable and valuable source of reference."The Imaging Science Journal"...a mathematically simplified yet complete introduction to both coherence and polarization. Wolf uniquely ties together these important concepts in the area of fluctuating optical fields and points out subtle relationships between coherence and polarization."Amanda J. Haes, University of Iowa"The coverage is usually distilled to the most important elements, and the mathematics is succint and clear. The problems are well chosen and help amplify the text... So, as would be expected from the undisputed master of the field, what is covered in Wolf's text is typically covered beautifully."Pierre Meystre, University of Arizona, Tucson for Physics Today"This book is written by arguably the person who is most qualified to do so. It presents traditionally difficult material in a simpler and perhaps more compelling way than elsewhere."Dr. Peter R.T. Munro, University College, London for Contemporary Physics