Abstract

Diverse approximate solutions of Maxwell’s equations for propagation of plane electromagnetic waves through a layer of small dielectric irregularities which vary smoothly and slowly with respect to the wavelength, are compared. Regions of validity for each method in this quasi-optical realm are established, and modifications are made to account for energy conservation. The limitations on propagation distance and magnitude of the irregularities are less severe for the expressions which result from the Rytov complex-phase expansion than for those which result from WKB and first Born approximations (these are contained in the Rytov approximation). The results are presented most simply in the form of a parameter-space diagram.

© 1965 Optical Society of America

Validity of the Rytov Approximation in Optical Propagation Calculations*

W. P. Brown
J. Opt. Soc. Am. 56(8) 1045-1052 (1966)

Quasi-optical Methods in Microwave Propagation and Diffraction

L. B. Felsen
Appl. Opt. 4(10) 1217-1228 (1965)

Diffraction of Cylindrical Electromagnetic Waves by Ribbons and Slits

Richard Barakat
J. Opt. Soc. Am. 55(8) 992-997 (1965)

Doppler Shift Through Heterogeneous Anisotropic Gases

Bruno Manz
J. Opt. Soc. Am. 55(3) 276-283 (1965)

Optical Resonator Modes—Rectangular Reflectors of Spherical Curvature*

William Streifer
J. Opt. Soc. Am. 55(7) 868-875 (1965)