The Holy Grail of ray-based optical modeling

Gregory W. Forbes; M A Alonso

doi:10.1117/12.486473

23 December 2002 The Holy Grail of ray-based optical modeling

Gregory W. Forbes, M A Alonso

Proceedings Volume 4832, International Optical Design Conference 2002; (2002) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.486473
Event: International Optical Design Conference 2002, 2002, Tucson, AZ, United States

Abstract

Our new method for optical modeling puts ray optics on a more solid foundation. This method not only delivers higher accuracy, but also offers estimates of its own errors. The conceptual framework is fully consistent with intuitive interpretations of rays and avoids the ad hoc leaps of standard ray-based modeling. These include problems in such areas as propagation, refraction, reflection, and diffraction. The model's higher accuracy also means that more applications now fall within the sope of ray-based system analysis. This is demonstrated via a simple example involving a waveguide with a smoothly varying refractive index. In particular, a low-order waveguide mode is modeled as it propagates to, and interacts with, a flat interface between the waveguide and a homogeneous medium.

Citation Download Citation

Gregory W. Forbes and M A Alonso "The Holy Grail of ray-based optical modeling", Proc. SPIE 4832, International Optical Design Conference 2002, (23 December 2002); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.486473

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