This comprehensive and self-contained text presents the fundamentals of optical imaging from the viewpoint of both ray and wave optics, within a single volume. Comprising three distinct parts, it opens with an introduction to electromagnetic theory, including electromagnetic diffraction problems and how they can be solved with the aid of standard numerical methods such as RCWA or FDTD. The second part is devoted to the basic theory of geometrical optics and the study of optical aberrations inherent in imaging systems, including large-scale telescopes and high-resolution projection lenses. A detailed overview of state-of-the-art optical system design provides readers with the necessary tools to successfully use commercial optical design software. The final part explores diffraction theory and concludes with vectorial wave propagation, image formation and image detection in high-aperture imaging systems. The wide-ranging perspective of this important book provides researchers and professionals with a comprehensive and rigorous treatise on the theoretical and applied aspects of optical imaging.

'The breadth and depth of material in this book is astonishing. It will be a valuable addition to the bookshelf of any optical scientist with an interest in imaging. Anyone from a new graduate student to an expert with a lifetime of experience will be able to learn something from this text. I could imagine 'Braat and Török' becoming for optical imaging what 'Born and Wolf' is for classical optics.'

Martin Booth - University of Oxford

'A decade of the authors teaching graduate students led to the genesis of this comprehensive yet extremely clearly written book that fills the lacunae of multiple sources on imaging optics. I know of no other single source with a single notation that can substitute for Imaging Optics. This masterful treatise/textbook, replete with clear figures, will become a classic in optics. With a rigorous foundation of electromagnetic-wave propagation, the authors develop geometric optics, aberrations and optical design with many applications. A detailed analysis of diffraction in optical imaging is developed for the complete vector theory, including consideration of polarization. The vector theory of optical imaging of a point object with high-numerical-aperture microscope objectives is a topic of great utility in microscopy.'

Barry R. Masters Source: Optics and Photonics News

'Braat and Török manage a journey from Maxwell's equations to lens design in a seamless, beautifully written masterwork. This text will surely be an essential resource for an array of scientists and engineers, ranging from specialised designers to end users of imaging systems.'

P. Scott Carney - University of Rochester

'Imaging Optics establishes a clear connection among the electrodynamic theory of optical propagation, the various approaches to diffraction theory, and the practical methods used in the design and optimization of imaging systems. The book’s way of linking those topics is original … The ability to transition smoothly between theoretical foundations and practical methods is one of the book’s best features … The depth of the content and great coherence in the presentation reflect the extensive teaching experience of both authors. In addition, each of the book’s three parts begins with a historical discussion that provides illuminating context for their topics … The authors’ success at creating a complete, precise, and pedagogically effective text should make Imaging Optics not only a good choice for students, but also a useful reference book for physicists and engineers interested in the design, development, and optimization of optical imaging systems.'

Source: Physics Today

‘Imaging Optics establishes a clear connection among the electrodynamic theory of optical propagation, the various approaches to diffraction theory, and the practical methods used in the design and optimization of imaging systems … Imaging Optics [is] not only a good choice for students, but also a useful reference book for physicists and engineers interested in the design, development, and optimization of optical imaging systems.’

Rémi Carminati Source: Physics Today