Graphical examples of geometrical and wave optics

Władysław Żakowicz

A simple method of the description of optical pulses of finite dimensions and finite duration time is presented. The pulses are given by superpositions of the known analytical as well as numerical solutions of the Maxwell equations. The examples show optical properties of scattering in detail. In the general case the wide pulses split in the scattering processes. The description of these phenomena requires a full wave approach. The pulses (or their fragments) that do not split but move smoothly through the optical system (or its fragment) may be described with the help of the geometrical optics theory.

Acta Phys. Polon. B 33, 2059 (2002)