Abstract

Equivalence properties of lenslike media with parabolic index profiles are analyzed on the basis of geometrical optics. By equivalent media we mean here those with the same ray-transfer matrix representation. An equivalence theorem is presented that provides a simple method of equivalent transformation of parabolic media. The practical importance of the equivalent transformation is that it leads to flexibility in the design of distributed optical structures, such as gas lenses and inhomogeneous optical fibers.

© 1971 Optical Society of America

Correction to: Equivalence Relations in a Class of Distributed Optical Systems—Lenslike Media

S. Yamamoto and T. Makimoto
Appl. Opt. 10(10) 2371-2371 (1971)

Quasi-Geometric Optics of Media with Inhomogeneous Index of Refraction*

George Eichmann
J. Opt. Soc. Am. 61(2) 161-168 (1971)

On the Propagation of Gaussian Beams of Light Through Lenslike Media Including those with a Loss or Gain Variation

Herwig Kogelnik
Appl. Opt. 4(12) 1562-1569 (1965)

Geometrical Optics in Thin Film Light Guides

R. Ulrich and R. J. Martin
Appl. Opt. 10(9) 2077-2085 (1971)

Analytic Solution of Ray Equations in Cylindrically Inhomogeneous Guiding Media. Part 2: Skew Rays

K. B. Paxton and W. Streifer
Appl. Opt. 10(5) 1164-1171 (1971)