Geometrical optics: some applications of the law of intensity

David L. Shealy

doi:10.1117/12.682852

6 September 2006 Geometrical optics: some applications of the law of intensity

David L. Shealy

Proceedings Volume 6289, Novel Optical Systems Design and Optimization IX; 62890F (2006) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.682852
Event: SPIE Optics + Photonics, 2006, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Geometrical optics is commonly associated with the ray-like properties of light, such as, law of reflection, Snell's law, ray tracing, the optical path length and phase. The geometrical optics law of intensity and the optical wavefront are also well known, but are perhaps less used as a basis for optical design than ray tracing. This paper will first review how the geometrical optics law of intensity leads to the invariance of the product of the intensity of light times an element of area along a bundle of rays. Then, we will discuss how the geometrical optics law of intensity provides a good foundation for understanding not only nonimaging optics through direct ways to design optical systems for prescribed illumination requirements but also imaging applications through a complete understanding of the differential geometry of the optical wavefront and the caustic surfaces.

Citation Download Citation

David L. Shealy "Geometrical optics: some applications of the law of intensity", Proc. SPIE 6289, Novel Optical Systems Design and Optimization IX, 62890F (6 September 2006); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.682852

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