This textbook showcases the rapidly developing field of materials optics. It is aimed at a broad audience as the readers require only university entry level knowledge of physics, chemistry, and optics. It overviews the basics of optical engineering and the typical and widely used applications of materials optics, with the first general chapters corresponding to the standard university courses, targeting bachelor’s and master’s degrees in physics. The next few chapters present the modern developments in materials optics, such as nano-plasmonics, nano-photonics, and optical properties of nano-sized materials, intended for readers familiar with the basic elements of quantum mechanics. Some more specialized chapters address recent developments in fields such as optics of solid surfaces, plasma optics, optics of composites, alloys, and metamaterials; optics of anisotropic materials; optics of organic and biological materials; and relativistic effects in optics. The appendices present a more advanced description of selected topics, with important reference materials, subject index, and extended list of publications, as well as numerous examples and problems to better orient readers interested in gaining further knowledge of the subject.

Vladimir I. Gavrilenko is a founder and chief executive officer of Vlexco LLC, an engineering consultancy focused on optical, electrical, nanotechnological, and materials engineering initiatives. He received his MS from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Ukraine, and his PhD and DSc (habilitation) from the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. His academic and research background is based on computational materials science and optics of surfaces and interfaces. Dr. Gavrilenko has extensive experience in industry and academia. For several decades, he taught graduate university courses in materials science and optics of materials. He has authored and coauthored 3 books, several book chapters, and more than 140 scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals.

Volodymyr S. Ovechko is a professor at the Faculty of Radio Physics, Electronics and Computer Systems, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. He received his MS, PhD, and DSc (habilitation) from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. His academic and research background is based on laser physics, spectroscopy, and optics of materials. Prof. Ovechko has taught graduate university courses in optics, atomic physics, and laser system technique. He has authored and coauthored 3 books and more than 130 scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals.