Computational Optics

This book gives a comprehensive discussion of the theory, numerical methods, and best practices in the field of computer-aided modelling of optical-beam propagation. Derived from a course taught by the author, the textbook is designed to support both independent self-paced study and a traditional semester-long lecture. The book combines two complementary tracks. The theory part provides a detailed, incremental exposition of the physics of optical beam propagation, and a description of the relevant numerical techniques. The practice-track gives an opportunity to put the theory into use by guiding the reader through increasingly sophisticated examples, which cover program design and simulation execution as well as a critical assessment of the results. Written for a readership with modest experience in numerical simulations and programming, this textbook integrates both tracks into a story owing to easy-to-digest increments, covering topics from the basics to the state of the art in the field.