Optics: Exploring Light, Vision, and Electromagnetic Radiation

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Optics

Optics, the branch of physics that deals with all aspects of visible light, including vision, and with infrared and ultraviolet radiation.

Physical Optics

describes and explains light in terms of electromagnetic waves and photons (packets of radiant energy). It is concerned with the spectral composition of light; that is, with the various wavelengths that make up any particular type of light. Absorption, interference, diffraction, and polarization of light are among the phenomena studied in physical optics.

Geometrical Optics

deals with the reflection and refraction, or bending, of light. The geometric laws by which mirrors, lenses, prisms, and transparent substances reflect and refract light are studied. Geometrical optics is also concerned with optical instruments such as telescopes, microscopes, spectroscopes, and cameras in which the laws of reflection and refraction are used.

Physiological Optics

deals with the eye as an optical instrument. It is concerned with optical defects of the eye and their correction. It also has to do with optical illusions and the psychological effects of colors.

Meteorological Optics

is the study of light phenomena as they relate to the atmosphere.