In this volume the properties of light waves in isotropic and anisotropic media are discussed on the basis of the electromagnetic nature of light. Diffraction of light is described for scalar waves and electromagnetic waves using theories like Kirchhoff's diffraction theory, the boundary diffraction wave of Young--Rubinowicz, the Larmor--Lorentz principle, etc. A unified approach involving Fourier optics is adapted to describe the diffractive theory of image formation. The basic principles of the Rayleigh scattering are discussed and the essence of various processes of scattering of light as well as their classification are included. Further topics include:the influence of spatial dispersion on wave propagation physical principles of holography nonlinear optical effects geometrical approximation in optics elements of optical planar waveguides.P The book will be of interest to researchers in optoelectronics and optical engineering and graduate students in physics and engineering.