Ray optics

Paraxial ray-transfer (ABCD) matrix optics: Gauss’s composition rule for a compound optical system as a product of elementary matrices, the two-mirror resonator stability criterion behind Maiman’s ruby laser cavity, and the sinusoidal ray confinement of Kao’s graded-index (GRIN) optical fiber.

Gauss’s ABCD formalism: a composite system as a matrix product

Gauss's ABCD formalism: a composite system as a matrix product

Graded-index fiber guiding (Kao’s low-loss optical fiber)

Graded-index fiber guiding (Kao's low-loss optical fiber)

Two-mirror resonator stability (Maiman’s ruby laser cavity)

Two-mirror resonator stability (Maiman's ruby laser cavity)