Propagation of nonparaxial partially coherent fields across interfaces using generalized radiometry

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Mathematical Physics

Background:

• Classical radiometry provides a foundational model for light propagation.
• Modeling nonparaxial fields and their interaction with interfaces requires advanced frameworks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a radiometric framework for nonparaxial scalar fields of any coherence degree.
• To model the propagation of these fields across planar boundaries between homogeneous media.
• To investigate the accuracy and limitations of the proposed framework.

Main Methods:

• Development of a 3D radiometric model for nonparaxial scalar fields.
• Inclusion of corrections, including potential Goos-Hänchen shifts and higher-order derivative terms.
• Examination of Gaussian Schell-model fields with varying coherence and width.

Main Results:

• The framework accurately predicts field propagation, aligning with classical radiometry to the lowest order.
• Higher-order corrections refine the basic radiometric estimate.
• The model performs well for most fields but fails for those with significant total internal reflection.

Conclusions:

• The proposed radiometric framework offers a robust method for modeling light propagation past interfaces.
• The inclusion of corrections enhances accuracy for nonparaxial fields.
• Limitations exist for specific field types, particularly those involving total internal reflection.