Geometrical Optics

doi:10.1117/3.2660873.ch1

Geometrical Optics

Book: Fundamentals of Optics: An Introductory Course

Author(s): Yobani Mejía-Barbosa

Published: 2023

https://doi.org/10.1117/3.2660873.ch1

Abstract

When certain optical phenomena can be explained by geometrical concepts, we are in the realm of what is called geometrical optics. Starting from the idea that light propagates as geometrical rays, and that this propagation is governed by Fermat’s principle, we can study the propagation of light in media with a constant or variable refractive index, image formation in instruments comprised of optical elements (e.g., lenses, prisms, and mirrors), optical aberrations that deteriorate such instruments’ image quality, the design of optical devices, etc. So, although geometrical optics cannot explain some optical phenomena tied to the wave nature of light, it has a very wide range of applications. Therefore, starting the study of optics from the geometrical point of view is fully justified.

PDF download only.

CHAPTER 1
102 PAGES

DOWNLOAD PDF SAVE TO MY LIBRARY