Abstract

Based on the fundamental law of geometrical optics and the concept of the eikonal, a definition is given of the forward and inverse problems of calculating the light field when a two-dimensional illuminance distribution is being formed. It is shown that, when there is an unambiguous solution of the forward problem, any solution of the inverse problem is a particular solution that can be reached by consistently selecting the required shape of the wave front. Progress in the selection is easily checked at all of its stages by solving the forward problem.

© 2014 Optical Society of America

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