The connection of geometrical optics with the propagation of gaussian beams and the theory of optical resonators

Abstract

The propagation of light near the axis of astigmatic optical systems may be described by the geometrical-optics approximation with the aid of ray-matrices. The application of the theory of diffraction to the propagation of light in such systems leads to integrals containing essentially the elements of the ray-matrices as parameters. The ABCD-law is derived by evaluating these integrals for gaussian beams. Integral equations applicable to astigmatic optical resonators, having nearly vanishing diffraction losses, are set up. They are only valid under certain conditions, which are comprehensively discussed. The eigensolutions and the eigenvalues of these integral equations are given. The spot-sizes at the resonator mirrors are derived from the eigensolutions, and the eigenvalues lead to the resonance condition. Spot-sizes and resonance condition appear as functions of the elements of the characteristic resonator matrices. The methods described here are applied to the propagation of gaussian beams through gas-lenses and to a resonator containing an internal gas-lens.