geometric optics

A system of optical analysis wherein light is described as rays, providing the basis for ray tracing. Effects such as reflection and refraction are considered while others, such as diffraction and interference, are ignored.

Synonyms: geometrical optics , ray optics

Related MicroscopyU Article

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.