Abstract

A formula is derived that specifies the illuminance along each traced ray in a variable-index optical system. The contribution of the medium and the effect of the shape of the surfaces are clearly separated in the analysis. The formula also yields an equation for the caustic surfaces associated with each interface.

© 1980 Optical Society of America

Illuminance and caustic surfaces in multi-interface variable-index media. 3: Source imbedded in variable-index medium, light reflected or refracted by multiple surfaces

Donald G. Burkhard
Appl. Opt. 19(21) 3704-3713 (1980)

Illuminance and caustic surfaces in multi-interface variable-index media. 2: Application to radial dependent variable-index singlet

Donald G. Burkhard
Appl. Opt. 19(21) 3694-3703 (1980)

Simplified formula for the illuminance in an optical system

Donald G. Burkhard and David L. Shealy
Appl. Opt. 20(5) 897-909 (1981)

Caustic surface analysis for a gradient-index lens

George L. Strobel and David L. Shealy
J. Opt. Soc. Am. 70(10) 1264-1269 (1980)

Analytical illuminance and caustic surface calculations in geometrical optics

David L. Shealy
Appl. Opt. 15(10) 2588-2596 (1976)