Fourier optics for the Maxwell field: Formalism and applications
Abstract
The basic formalism for first order paraxial Fourier optics of the Maxwell field was established. Analysis of the relativistic symmetry of Maxwell's equations leads to specific mathematical quantities using those passages from scalar to vector Fourier optics which becomes unambiguous. The inconsistency of viewing scalar Fourier optics as the description of plane polarized Maxwell waves is recognized. System operators giving the actions of lenses, magnifiers, Fourier transformers and general first order systems on Maxwellian waves are constructed. Both field strength and vector potential treatments are given.
- Publication:
-
NASA STI/Recon Technical Report N
- Pub Date:
- September 1983
- Bibcode:
- 1983STIN...8415383M
- Keywords:
-
- Electromagnetic Fields;
- Fourier Transformation;
- Maxwell Equation;
- Quantum Mechanics;
- Electrodynamics;
- Matrices;
- Optics;
- Poincare Problem;
- Polarization;
- Wave Propagation;
- Communications and Radar