Recently, the book, Understanding Optical Systems through Theory and Case Studies”, which is written by researchers of Nanjing Institute of Astronomical Optics and Technology, has been published by the SPIE Press of America.“

This book is written at the SPIE’s invitation to Prof. Sijiong Zhang. This book, consisting of 294 pages, explains how to understand and analyze the working principles of optical systems by means of optical theories and case studies.

Part I focuses mainly on the theory of classical optics, providing an introduction to geometrical and wave optics, and some concepts of quantum and statistical optics.

Part II presents commonly used optical elements (Sources, lenses, prisms, gratings, beam splitters, filters, optical fibers and detectors) and case studies of three practical optical systems that comprise important and commonly used optical elements: confocal microscopes, online co-phasing optical systems for segmented mirrors, and adaptive optics systems.

With the theoretical background gained in Part I, readers can apply their understanding of the optical systems presented in Part II to the conception of their own novel optical systems. The book can be used as a text or reference guide for students majoring in optics or physics. It can also be used as a reference for any scientist, engineer, or researcher whose work involves optical systems.