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Updated: Jun 3, 2026

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The Generation of Higher-order Laguerre-Gauss Optical Beams for High-precision Interferometry
Published on: August 12, 2013
Thomas Young's investigations in gradient-index optics
David A Atchison1, W Neil Charman
1Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Queensland, Australia. d.atchison@qut.edu.au
Summary
Thomas Young pioneered gradient-index optics over 50 years before Maxwell, modeling eye lens and atmospheric optics. His work on spherical gradients was confirmed, but axial gradient equations require revision.
Area of Science:
- Optics
- History of Science
Background:
- James Clerk Maxwell is credited with early work on inhomogeneous optical media in 1854.
- Thomas Young's earlier contributions to gradient-index optics, particularly concerning the eye's optics, were largely overlooked.
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