Light scattering is one of the most well-studied phenomena in nature. It occupies a central place in optical physics, and plays a key role in multiple fields of science and engineering. This volume presents a comprehensive introduction to the subject. For the first time, the authors bring together in a self-contained and systematic manner, the physical concepts and mathematical tools that are used in the modern theory of light scattering and transport, presenting them in a clear, accessible style. The power of these tools is demonstrated by a framework that links various aspects of the subject: scattering theory to radiative transport, radiative transport to diffusion, and field correlations to the statistics of speckle patterns. For graduate students and researchers in optical physics and optical engineering, this book is an invaluable resource on the interaction of light with complex media and the theory of light scattering in disordered and complex systems.

‘This is a fantastic book for those of us who work on mathematical modeling of wave interaction with complex systems. It is written by renowned scientists who have made outstanding contributions to this exciting field. It is the first to comprehensively explore in a systematic manner the modern theory of light scattering and transport in complex systems. It introduces many of the necessary sophisticated mathematical tools and fundamental physical concepts. It nicely links various aspects of the subject: scattering theory to radiative transport, radiative transport to diffusion, and field correlations to the statistics of speckle patterns. It is a truly great pleasure to read. It will undoubtedly become an indispensable aid to researchers in optical physics and optical engineering, and to anyone who wishes to move into the field.’

Habib Ammari - ETH Zürich

‘This beautiful masterwork of Carminati and Schotland takes us from the foundational laws of physics expressed in Maxwell’s equations through to the most quotidian of observable phenomena: light viewed through a murky liquid. On display are the beautiful ideas that the world yields to mathematical dissection and that complex phenomena are the result of accumulated fundamental events. Of course, one finds also the practical, the means to predict and understand images, spectra, the deposition of power, the bending of rays, the scattering of waves and how to connect measurements to the properties of the system being observed. Every step of the way is clearly explained and accessible. I suspect the reader may arrive looking for a particular chapter and find the whole book irresistible.’

P. Scott Carney - Institute of Optics, University of Rochester

‘The authors state that this book is about scattering and transport of light. Yes, but it is much much much more! If you seek a book that provides a concise, succinct and complete account of physical optics, this is it! This book is a very authoritative text that fills a long-awaited niche. The material covered would typically require thousands of pages, but Carminati and Schotland keep the eye on the ball. They strip tedious details in order to convey the big picture without losing mathematical rigor. The chapters are short and to the point. The references are carefully selected in order to direct the reader to more detailed information. This book is an invaluable resource, not only as a textbook for the classroom, but also as a reference for all optics aficionados.’

Lukas Novotny - ETH Zürich

‘The book is very clearly written, and each part contains extensive references and exercises, enabling the book to fill its pedagogical role.’

Mircea Dragoman Source: Optics & Photonics News