Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 15, 2026

The Generation of Higher-order Laguerre-Gauss Optical Beams for High-precision Interferometry
Published on: August 12, 2013
Paraxial propagation of astigmatic wavefronts in optical systems by an augmented stepalong method for vergences
1Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
Purpose:
The propagation of astigmatic wavefronts through astigmatic optical systems is reconsidered in the wavefront perspective.
Methods:
The stepalong method for vergences, described by 2x2 matrices, is applied and augmented to produce off-axis information like the magnification. This so-called augmented stepalong method (ASAM) is derived by applying the paraxial propagation of astigmatic wavefronts to tilted wavefronts as well.
Results:
The features of the ASAM are discussed for a single surface, a thick lens, and a general system.
Conclusions:
The ASAM provides all necessary information to describe a centered astigmatic optical system in paraxial approximation.
Related Concept Videos
Focusing of Light in the Eye
Propagation of Waves
Consider a scenario where a wave propagates from a string of low linear mass density to a string of high linear mass density. In such a case, the reflected wave is out of phase with respect to the incident wave, however the...
Gauss's Law: Planar Symmetry
Gauss's Law: Cylindrical Symmetry
Equations of Wave Motion
Gauss's Law: Spherical Symmetry
