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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 13, 2026

Digital Inline Holographic Microscopy (DIHM) of Weakly-scattering Subjects

Digital Inline Holographic Microscopy (DIHM) of Weakly-scattering Subjects

Published on: February 8, 2014

Ray tracing in anamorphic gradient-index media.

D T Moore¹, J M Stagaman

¹University of Rochester, Institute of Optics, Rochester, New York 14627, USA.

|April 15, 2010

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

A new ray trace algorithm was developed for anamorphic gradient-index media by solving Euler-Lagrange equations. This method accurately models light propagation in complex optical systems with varying refractive indices.

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Last Updated: Jun 13, 2026

Digital Inline Holographic Microscopy (DIHM) of Weakly-scattering Subjects

Digital Inline Holographic Microscopy (DIHM) of Weakly-scattering Subjects

Published on: February 8, 2014

Measuring Sensitivity to Viewpoint Change with and without Stereoscopic Cues

Measuring Sensitivity to Viewpoint Change with and without Stereoscopic Cues

Published on: December 4, 2013

Area of Science:

Optics
Mathematical Physics

Background:

Gradient-index (GRIN) media feature a continuously varying refractive index, posing challenges for traditional ray tracing.
Anamorphic GRIN media exhibit non-uniform refractive index profiles, further complicating optical design and analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop a novel ray trace algorithm specifically for anamorphic gradient-index (GRIN) optical media.
To provide a computationally efficient and accurate method for simulating light propagation in such complex optical environments.

Main Methods:

The Euler-Lagrange equations governing ray paths were formulated for GRIN media.
A power series expansion of the ray path was employed to solve these equations.
The resulting analytical solution was implemented as a ray trace algorithm.

Main Results:

A robust ray trace algorithm capable of handling anamorphic GRIN media was successfully derived.
The algorithm accurately predicts ray trajectories in optical systems with spatially varying refractive indices.
The power series expansion provides a flexible framework for approximating complex GRIN profiles.

Conclusions:

The developed ray trace algorithm offers a significant advancement for the design and analysis of optical systems utilizing anamorphic GRIN materials.
This method facilitates precise modeling of light behavior, enabling the optimization of optical performance in advanced imaging and photonic devices.