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METHODOLOGICAL NOTES

Geometrical optics and the diffraction phenomenon

A. V. Timofeev

Russian Research Centre "Kurchatov Institute"

Abstract: This note outlines the principles of the geometrical optics of inhomogeneous waves whose description necessitates the use of complex values of the wave vector. Generalizing geometrical optics to inhomogeneous waves permits including in its scope the analysis of the diffraction phenomenon.

PACS: 42.15.-i, 42.25.Fx

Received: February 17, 2005

DOI: 10.3367/UFNr.0175.200506e.0637

 English version: Physics–Uspekhi, 2005, 48:6, 609–613

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