Programs Dedicated course on optics during my physics major

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers around seeking recommendations for optics textbooks suitable for self-study, particularly for a physics major who has completed core courses but feels underprepared in optics. Suggestions include "Optics" by Eugene Hecht, with advice to consider older editions for cost savings, as they contain similar content with fewer additional images. For practical optics and optical instrumentation, works by Warren J. Smith are recommended. The conversation reflects a shared sentiment about limited undergraduate coverage in optics, with one participant expressing frustration over their own experience with Hecht's materials.
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I've been planning out my future coursework and it seems unlikely that I'll be able to take a dedicated course on optics during my physics major.

Therefore, I'm hoping for some suggestions about Optics textbooks that would make a good reference for self-study during the summer. I'm a junior and have already taken the "core courses" (classical mechanics, QM, E&M) in the major, but I've found my understanding of optics is quite limited during my lab work.

Thanks in advance.
 
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Hecht
 
Hecht
If you are buying save some money and get one of the older editions. Nothing has changed except it's 50% in pages with unecessary extra pictures.

For practical optics (optical instrumentation), pretty much anything by Warren J Smith.
 
Hecht wrote the Schaum's...it parallels Hecht and Zajak and is a lot cheaper.
 
I guess you don't need any more replies but just in case you need further backing up: Hecht.

BTW, I feel your pain; my undergrad class in optics only covered geometrical optics. Sigh...
 
I hated Hecht with passion.
 
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