Group theoretical methods in optics

Mukunda, N. (1985) Group theoretical methods in optics Pramana - Journal of Physics, 25 (4). pp. 497-503. ISSN 0304-4289

[img]
Preview
PDF - Publisher Version
630kB

Official URL: http://www.ias.ac.in/j_archive/pramana/25/4/497-50...

Related URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF02846776

Abstract

Scalar Fourier optics is concerned with the passage of paraxial light beams through ideal optical systems. It is well known that the action of the latter on the former can be given in the framework of the two- and four-dimensional real symplectic groups. It is shown here that, based on an analysis of the Poincaré symmetry of the complete Maxwell equations in the front form, a natural representation for paraxial Maxwell beams emerges, which moreover shows the way to a generalization of scalar to vector Fourier optics preserving the group structure of ideal optical systems. Properties of generalized rays, and the usefulness of some pseudo-orthogonal groups in the treatment of Gaussian Schell-model beams, are also brought out.

Item Type:Article
Source:Copyright of this article belongs to Indian Academy of Sciences.
Keywords:Vector Fourier Optics; First Order Optical Systems
ID Code:78443
Deposited On:20 Jan 2012 04:09
Last Modified:18 May 2016 21:15

Repository Staff Only: item control page