Ray transfer matrix analysis (also known as ABCD matrix analysis) is a mathematical form for performing ray tracing calculations in sufficiently simple problems which can be solved considering only paraxial rays. Each optical element (surface, interface, mirror, or beam travel) is described by a 2 × 2 ray transfer matrix which operates on a vector describing an incoming light ray to c. Matrix definitionThe ray tracing technique is based on two reference planes, called the input and output planes, each perpendicular to the optical axis of the system. At any point along the an optical axis is defined cor. As one example, if there is free space between the two planes, the ray transfer matrix is given by: where d is the separation distance (measured along the optical axis) between the two reference planes. The ray transfer eq. A ray transfer matrix can be regarded as a. According to the eigenvalues of the optical system, the system can be classified into several classes. Assume the ABCD matrix representin.
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