In:
American Journal of Physics, American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT), Vol. 74, No. 8 ( 2006-08-01), p. 722-727
Abstract:
Although the ray concept is a useful tool for helping students visualize the propagation of light, rays do not produce diffraction, which is described by wave theory. Nevertheless, it is possible to retain the ray picture to describe a Gaussian beam if a suitable statistical distribution of rays is used. We transform the distribution using only ray propagation techniques (no wave theory) and show how a statistical distribution of rays gives an intuitive picture of a diffracting Gaussian beam as it freely propagates or is focused by lenses.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0002-9505
,
1943-2909
Language:
English
Publisher:
American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT)
Publication Date:
2006
detail.hit.zdb_id:
1472799-7
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2947-6
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