This textbook offers a complete and rigorous presentation of the fundamentals and applications of wave optics. The material of the book covers topics on wave nature of light—reflection, refraction, polarisation, diffraction, dispersion and scattering of electromagnetic waves. Interference phenomenon is discussed both by division of wavefront and by division of amplitude. Diffraction is classified as Fresnel diffraction and Fraunhofer diffraction. The discussion on Fraunhofer diffraction has been used to explain the theory and resolving power of optical instruments. The role of phenomena of dispersion and scattering of light has been lucidly explained in the field of communication of information, its quality and content. The last three chapters are devoted to the study of the recently developed modern topics—lasers, holography, and fibre optics—all of which have opened up immense opportunities for new applications in almost all branches of science and engineering. Though the book is intended for the undergraduate students of physics—both honours and general courses—it will also be useful to candidates aspiring to sit the competitive examinations. KEY FEATURES : Presents interactive text interspersed with in-text questions to enable students to shift focus on active learning. Uses access devices such as expected learning outcomes and practice exercises for directed teaching–learning. Includes numerous worked-out examples to illustrate the concepts and provides review questions to test the students’ understanding of the subject. Gives chapter-end summary for quick revision of the important results.