What's Next?

What's Next

You have implemented the foundational equations of optics, from Snell's law to optical path length. Here are natural next steps:

  • Electromagnetism — Maxwell's equations unify electricity, magnetism, and light. The wave equation for light emerges directly from Maxwell's equations.
  • Quantum Mechanics — The photoelectric effect you implemented was the first clue that light comes in quanta. Quantum optics studies the full quantum nature of light.
  • Fourier Optics — Diffraction and imaging are naturally described using Fourier transforms. This connects to signal processing and holography.
  • Photonics — Waveguides, photonic crystals, and integrated optical circuits are the optical analog of electronic circuits.

Further Reading

  • Introduction to Optics by Pedrotti, Pedrotti & Pedrotti — Comprehensive undergraduate textbook, covers geometric, wave, and modern optics.
  • Hecht Optics by Eugene Hecht — The classic optics textbook, thorough and well-illustrated.
  • Fundamentals of Photonics by Saleh & Teich — Advanced treatment connecting classical and quantum optics.
  • MIT OpenCourseWare 8.03 — Waves and optics lecture notes, free.
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