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Ray vector fields, prismatic effect, and thick astigmatic optical systems

W F Harris1

  • 1Department of Optometry, Rand Afrikaans University, Johannesburg, South Africa.

Optometry and Vision Science : Official Publication of the American Academy of Optometry
|June 1, 1996
PubMed
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This study reexamines ray vector fields in optical systems. It clarifies that while 2D vector fields apply to thin systems, they are not generally suitable for thick optical systems.

Area of Science:

  • Optics
  • Optical Engineering
  • Applied Physics

Background:

  • Ray vector fields are fundamental in paraxial optics, mapping incident to emergent ray vectors.
  • Two-dimensional vector fields can describe thin optical systems, relating incident position to changes in reduced direction.
  • Recent claims regarding the applicability of 2D vector fields to thick systems are challenged.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To reexamine the application of ray vector fields to optical systems.
  • To clarify the limitations of 2D vector fields for thick optical systems.
  • To derive general equations for ray deflection in optical systems.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of ray vector field dimensionality in paraxial and non-paraxial optics.
  • Comparison of vector field properties for thin versus thick optical systems.

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  • Derivation of equations for ray deflection and change in reduced direction.

    • Main Results:

    • A four-dimensional ray vector field is defined for paraxial optical systems.
    • A two-dimensional vector field is applicable to thin systems, representing reduced deflection.
    • The study demonstrates that 2D vector fields are not generally applicable to thick systems, which differ qualitatively from thin systems.

    Conclusions:

    • Thick optical systems cannot be generally replaced by equivalent thin lenses.
    • Specific types of 2D vector fields can be defined for certain classes of thick optical systems.
    • General equations are derived for ray behavior in various optical system configurations, including multi-lens systems.