Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 26, 2025

Lens-free Video Microscopy for the Dynamic and Quantitative Analysis of Adherent Cell Culture
Published on: February 23, 2018
Exact vectorial model for nonparaxial focusing of freeform wavefronts
Abstract:
We present a new formalism, based on Richards-Wolf theory, to rigorously model nonparaxial focusing of radially polarized electromagnetic beams with freeform wavefront. The beams can be expressed in terms of Zernike polynomials. Our approach is validated by comparing known results obtained by Richards-Wolf theory. Our integral representation is compliant with diffraction theory, is thoroughly discussed and solved for various freeform wavefront that, so far, have not been treated analytically. The extension of the method to other polarization states is straightforward.
Related Concept Videos
Plane Electromagnetic Waves I
The EM field is assumed...
Focusing of Light in the Eye
Gauss's Law: Planar Symmetry
Curvilinear Motion: Rectangular Components
As the car advances, its position evolves over time. Quantifying the car's velocity involves computing the...
Cartesian Form for Vector Formulation
Curvilinear Motion: Normal and Tangential Components
The positive direction of the t-axis aligns with the increasing position of the car along the curved path, denoted by the unit vector ut. Simultaneously, the n-axis, perpendicular to the t-axis, dissects the curved path into differential arc segments, each forming the arc of a circle with a radius of...

