Since the invention of the laser, our fascination with the photon has led to one of the most dynamic and rapidly growing fields of technology. As the reality of all-optical systems quickly comes into focus, it is more important than ever to have a thorough understanding of light and the optical components used to control it. Comprising chapters drawn from the author's highly anticipated book Photonics: Principles and Practices, Light and Optics: Principles and Practices offers a detailed and focused treatment for anyone in need of authoritative information on this critical area underlying photonics.Using a consistent approach, the author leads you step-by-step through each topic. Each skillfully crafted chapter first explores the theoretical concepts of each topic, and then demonstrates how these principles apply to real-world applications by guiding you through experimental cases illuminated with numerous illustrations. The book works systematically through light, light and shadow, thermal radiation, light production, light intensity, light and color, the laws of light, plane mirrors, spherical mirrors, lenses, prisms, beamsplitters, light passing through optical components, optical instruments for viewing applications, polarization of light, optical materials, and laboratory safety.Containing several topics presented for the first time in book form, Light and Optics: Principles and Practices is simply the most modern, comprehensive, and hands-on text in the field.