Gaussian optics

A system of optical analysis that utilizes the paraxial approximation to simplify modeling of the behavior of light in geometric optics and ray tracing. This system only uses paraxial rays - those that make a small angle with respect to the optic axis.

Synonyms: small-angle approximation

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Geometrical Construction of Ray Diagrams

A popular method of representing a train of propagating light waves involves the application of geometrical optics to determine the size and location of images formed by a lens or multi-lens system. This tutorial explores how two representative light rays can establish the parameters of an imaging scenario.