Vanderwerf D.F. The Story of Light Science: From Early Theories to Today's Extraordinary Applications

Springer, 2017. — 340 p. – ISBN: 978-3-319-64315-1.This book traces the evolution of our understanding and utilization of light from classical antiquity and the early thoughts of Pythagoras to the present time.
From the earliest recorded theories and experiments to the latest applications in photonic communication and computation, the ways in which light has been put to use are numerous and astounding. Indeed, some of the latest advances in light science are in fields that until recently belonged to the realm of science fiction.Emerging Theories of Light and Measurements of Light Speed.
Light as an Electromagnetic Wave.
Light and Its Application to Relativity.
The Quantum Nature of Light.
Natural and Artificial Sources of Light.
Laser Light.
Variation and Control of Light Propagation Properties.
Quantum Mechanics of the Photon.
Quantum Applications of the Photon.
Light in Free-Space and the Cosmos.