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 resolves many of the ad hoc steps in standard ray-based modeling. This includes problems in such areas as propagation, refraction, reflection, and diffraction. The model’s higher accuracy also means that more applications now fall within the scope of ray-based system analysis.

© 2002 Optical Society of America