physical optics

noun

1. the branch of optics concerned with the wave properties of light, the superposition of waves, the deviation of light from its rectilinear propagation in a manner other than that considered by geometrical optics, the interaction of light with matter, and the quantum, corpuscular aspects of light.

Word History and Origins

Origin of physical optics¹

First recorded in 1825–35

Example Sentences

Funding for the project will be split evenly between Physical Optics Corp and a Tucson, Arizona-based company called GEOST.

From Washington Times

Company spokesman Rick Shie says that these numbers are not the whole story: Physical Optics has a strong commercial side that since 1985 has shipped products worth more than $200 million.

From Nature

The top award holder in 2011 was Physical Optics Corporation in Torrance, California, which specializes in integrating components into working systems, such as data recorders for the Navy’s T-45 aircraft.

From Nature

He experimented in physical optics; took up astronomy in 1816; and in 1820, assisted by his father, he completed for a reflecting telescope a mirror of 18 in. diameter and 20 ft. focal length.

From Project Gutenberg

Man’s “natural” or physical optics do not discern a spirit.

From Project Gutenberg