Elements of Photonics is a textbook and reference that treats the connection between photons and electrons. This first volume focuses specifically on photonics in free space and special media, such as anisotropic crystals.

The book includes discussions of important topics in Fourier optics-properties of lenses, optical image processing, and holography-as well as sections on the Gaussian beam, light propagation in anisotropic media, external field effects, and polarization of light and its major implications. Each chapter contains numerous examples and sample problems to elucidate the material. The level of the mathematics is sufficient to explain the essence of the phenomena without being burdensome. This is an ideal introduction to photonics for working engineers and students. Volume I of Elements of Photonics also includes detailed sections on the following topics:
* Boundaries, near-field optics, and near-field imaging
* Fabry Perot resonators, beams, and radiation pressure
* Optical properties of crystals under various external fields
* Construction and use of the Poincar sphere
* Phase conjugate optics