TY - JOUR
T1 - Using rays better. III. error estimates and illustrative applications in smooth media
AU - Alonso, M. A.
AU - Forbes, G. W.
PY - 2001
Y1 - 2001
N2 - A new method for computing ray-based approximations to optical wave fields is demonstrated through simple examples involving wave propagation in free space and in a gradient-index waveguide. The analytic solutions that exist for these cases make it easy to compare the new estimates with exact results. A particularly simple RMS error estimate is developed here, and corrections to the basic field estimate are also discussed and tested. A key step for any ray-based method is the choice of a family of rays to be associated with the initial wave field. We show that, for maximal accuracy, not only must the initial field be considered in choosing the rays, but so too must the medium that is to carry the wave.
AB - A new method for computing ray-based approximations to optical wave fields is demonstrated through simple examples involving wave propagation in free space and in a gradient-index waveguide. The analytic solutions that exist for these cases make it easy to compare the new estimates with exact results. A particularly simple RMS error estimate is developed here, and corrections to the basic field estimate are also discussed and tested. A key step for any ray-based method is the choice of a family of rays to be associated with the initial wave field. We show that, for maximal accuracy, not only must the initial field be considered in choosing the rays, but so too must the medium that is to carry the wave.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=0012743798&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1364/JOSAA.18.001357
DO - 10.1364/JOSAA.18.001357
M3 - Article
C2 - 11393628
AN - SCOPUS:0012743798
SN - 1084-7529
VL - 18
SP - 1357
EP - 1370
JO - Journal of the Optical Society of America A: Optics and Image Science, and Vision
JF - Journal of the Optical Society of America A: Optics and Image Science, and Vision
IS - 6
ER -