The presentation of the educational material is based on the electromagnetic theory of light in compliance with the requirement of unity of theory and experiment. Considerable attention is paid to the interaction of optical radiation with matter treated within the framework of semiclassical and (where necessary) quantum theory. Along with traditional optics issues are much stricter and more detailed, than usual , These topics are important for understanding the current state of optics ,. Statistical and Coherent Properties of Optical Radiation , Spectral Decomposition, Electronic Dispersion Theory , Optical Resonators , resolution power of optical and spectral instruments, Photovoltaic measurements, Holography , Basics of Nonlinear Optics . Much attention is paid to the analysis of the properties of laser radiation and the use of lasers in a physical experiment. Each paragraph of the manual is equipped with control questions, the purpose of which is to draw the student’s attention to the main provisions of the topic being studied. The tasks to which solutions, instructions or answers are given constitute an organic part of the educational material necessary for a comprehensive understanding of the question being studied. Tasks can be used for practical classes in seminars and as assignments for independent work of students . The manual is intended for students of universities studying in physical areas of training . As a very modern and fairly brief reference book, the book is also useful for specialists working in various fields of physics and technology.