Law of Refraction: The Foundation of Geometrical Optics

doi:10.1117/3.835815.ch1

Book: Optical Design: Applying the Fundamentals

Author(s): Max J. Riedl

Published: 2009

https://doi.org/10.1117/3.835815.ch1

Author Affiliations +

Abstract

1.1 Introduction Snell's law of refraction is the fundamental law that governs geometrical optics. We begin, therefore, with the proof of this basic rule, as it has been verified by Fermat. We then demonstrate how this surprisingly simple law can be applied to graphical ray tracing. With the equations for paraxial ray tracing, we provide the tool required for the initial optical design phase. These equations are sufficient to determine the third-order aberrations, which will be used throughout the book. 1.2 Fermat's Principle 1.2.1 Historic remarks Pierre de Fermat was a jurist and mathematician. He pursued his mathematical avocation mostly for his own enjoyment. He formulated his famous theorem in 1657. It declares that light takes the path that requires the least time. His reasoning led to the proof of the law of refraction, which Wilibrord Snel van Royen found experimentally some 20 years earlier. This law of refraction is the foundation of geometrical optics and is stated by nâ²siniâ²=nsini, where n and nâ² are the indices of refraction of the media before and after refraction. The angle of incidence is i, and the angle of the ray is iâ², relative to the normal, after refraction.