Abstract
A method for calculating the ray paths in optical systems composed of axially symmetric reflecting and refracting surfaces is outlined. It is assumed that there is no common symmetry axis in the system, so that the ray paths are substantially three-dimensional. For the sake of generality, both the simplest cases admitting of an analytic solution and the more intricate cases when iterative procedure has to be used are considered. Particular attention is given to the computation features which make the algorithm both universal and robust. The method proposed allows for the use of a wide range (five types of the surfaces specified) of optical elements. Furthermore, the approach suggested is universal and, as such, makes it possible also to pass on with relative ease to other cases of specifying the surfaces.
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A. M. Fedorovskii, A. A. Stepanov, and V. A. Shcheglov, “Analytical technique for calculation of mirror surface parameters in ‘HEX-DARR’ resonators for lasers with a ring active medium,” J. Russ. Laser Res., 17, 286 (1996).
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Fedorovskii, A.M., Shcheglov, V.A. & Stepanov, A.A. A Method for Calculating the Ray Paths in Optical Systems Composed of Axially Symmetric Reflecting and Refracting Surfaces. J Russ Laser Res 19, 160–174 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03380161
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03380161