Synopses & Reviews
The book is devoted to geometrical optics, the most effective and widely used method of wave theory. Along with the traditional topics of the discipline, the book includes a number of new modifications and generalizations of the method, such as the space-time geometrical optics of dispersive media in its most general form, the theory of normal wave conversion in weakly anisotropic inhomogeneous media using a quasi-isotropic approximation, and new versions of perturbation theory for rays, to name a few. An important new feature is the formulation of universally valid boundaries of applicability for the ray method, based upon the concept of Fresnel volume for rays. The general theoretical discussion is illustrated by numerous examples related to optics, acoustics, plasma physics, and radio-wave sciences. An extensive list of references covering all the topics discussed is provided.
Synopsis
This monograph is concerned with the fundamentals of up-to-date geo- metrical optics treated as an approximate method of wave theory. Geometrical optics has changed dramatically over the last two decades. Primarily, it has acquired a number of novel disciplines: space-time geo- metrical optics, the quasi-isotropic approximation, the modern theory of caustics related to catastrophe theory, and perturbation techniques for rays, to name only a few. Another acquisition is the reliable boundaries of appli- cability for geometrical optics, based upon the concept of the Fresnel volume for a ray. These recent additions to the field are the focus of dis- cussion in the book. We did not attempt to separate study-oriented and illustrative material from that intended for professionals, but rather we spread it throughout the text to facilitate for the reader the mastering of this attractive, intuitively appealing and efficient ray method. In preparing the manuscript we used a set of lecture notes devised for All-Union Schools on Diffraction and Wave Propagation, published in Rus- sian. Sections 2.1-4,6 and 10 result from joint efforts of both authors. The other material of the book we wrote separately. I contributed Sects. 2.5,9 and 3.17 and Chap.4; Yu.l. Orlov prepared the rest. Unfortunately, he could not take part in the preparation of the English edition, as he died in 1982 at the age of 41, on the verge of what would have been great achieve- ments considering his strong and original talent.
Synopsis
Geometrical Optics of Inhomogeneous Media presents a systematic treatment of geometrical optics, the most effective and widely used method of wave theory. The treatment includes the major developments of recent decades, among them the space-time geometrical optics of dispersive media, the quasi-isotropic approximation, new perturbation techniques for rays, and universally valid limits of applicability.