Geometry and Light: The Science of...
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The science of invisibility combines two of physics' greatest concepts: Einstein's general relativity and Maxwell's principles of electromagnetism. Recent years have witnessed maj…
Book Summary
Geometry and Light is the first authoritative textbook on the science of invisibility, blending Einstein's general relativity with Maxwell's electromagnetism. Written by pioneers Ulf Leonhardt and Thomas Philbin, it introduces differential geometry for physicists and engineers while showing how curved-space concepts enable practical metamaterial devices for invisibility, perfect imaging, and more. Over 100 full-color illustrations and exercises with solutions make it ideal for graduate students and researchers.
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About Geometry and Light: The Science of...
In Geometry and Light, Ulf Leonhardt and Thomas Philbin present the first authoritative textbook on the science of invisibility, a field that unites two pillars of physics: Einstein's general relativity and Maxwell's electromagnetism. The authors, active researchers at the University of St. Andrews, have been instrumental in transforming invisibility from fiction into science through the design of metamaterials inspired by Fermat's principle and the geometry of curved space. The book serves as two texts in one: it introduces the mathematical foundations of differential geometry for physicists and engineers, and it demonstrates how concepts from general relativity become practically useful in electrical and optical engineering. Beyond invisibility, the text explores perfect imaging and other fascinating topics. More than one hundred full-color illustrations and exercises with solutions complement the rigorous yet accessible treatment, making complex ideas tangible for readers.
Who should read Geometry and Light: The Science of...?
This textbook is ideal for graduate students and advanced undergraduates in engineering, physics, or mathematics who seek a rigorous introduction to transformation optics and metamaterials. Scientific researchers of all types will benefit from the authoritative treatment of invisibility science, especially those working in optics, electromagnetics, or photonics. Instructors looking for a course text that bridges general relativity and practical engineering will find it invaluable. Readers should have a solid foundation in calculus and electromagnetism, though the differential geometry introduction supports self-study.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ First authoritative textbook on the science of invisibility, written by pioneering researchers
- ✓ Bridges general relativity and electromagnetism in a practical engineering context
- ✓ Self-contained introduction to differential geometry for physicists and engineers
- ✓ Over 100 full-color illustrations enhance understanding of complex concepts
- ✓ Exercises with solutions support learning and self-assessment
Cons
- ✗ Requires prior knowledge of electromagnetism and calculus, limiting accessibility for beginners
- ✗ Dense mathematical content may overwhelm readers without a strong physics background
- ✗ Focus on transformation optics may not appeal to those seeking broader optics coverage
- ✗ Limited discussion of experimental fabrication details for metamaterials
- ✗ Some readers may find the general relativity analogies abstract without additional context
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Frequently asked questions
What is the science of invisibility?
The science of invisibility involves designing materials that can guide light around an object, rendering it invisible. It combines general relativity's curved spacetime concepts with Maxwell's electromagnetism, using metamaterials to control electromagnetic waves in ways not found in nature.
Do I need a background in general relativity to understand this book?
No prior knowledge of general relativity is assumed. The book introduces the necessary differential geometry and explains how relativity concepts apply to optics, making it accessible to physicists and engineers with standard undergraduate preparation.
Is this book suitable for self-study?
Yes, the text includes exercises with solutions and over 100 full-color illustrations, making it well-suited for self-study by graduate students and researchers. However, a solid foundation in electromagnetism and calculus is recommended.
What topics are covered beyond invisibility?
The book also covers perfect imaging, transformation optics, metamaterial design, and analogies between mechanics and optics. It demonstrates how general relativity concepts become practical tools in electrical and optical engineering.
Are the illustrations in color?
Yes, the book features more than one hundred full-color illustrations that help clarify complex concepts in geometry, light, and metamaterials.
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