New view on the diffraction discovered by Grimaldi and Gaussian beams

TL;DR

This paper revisits classical light theory, introduces a geometrical model for Gaussian beams, and offers a new interpretation of diffraction divergence, highlighting differences between infinite and finite wave fronts.

Contribution

It presents a novel geometrical interpretation of diffraction divergence and analyzes properties of Gaussian beams, expanding classical light theory with new geometrical insights.

Findings

New geometrical properties of Gaussian beams are identified.

A generalized interpretation of diffraction divergence is proposed.

Differences between infinite and finite wave front geometries are demonstrated.

Abstract

In offered work short historical excursus to the classical theory of light is presented: Grimaldi, Fermat, Newton, Huygens, Young, Fresnel, Fraunhofer, and Gauss. The ray analog of wave model of light and Huygens-Fresnel's elementary waves on the basis of consideration of geometrical model is offered. New geometrical properties of Gaussian beams are analyzed. The new, generalized interpretation of a corner of diffraction divergence of beams of light is given. Difference of geometrical properties of wave fronts of infinite and finite length is shown. Examples of possible application of our geometrical model in various areas are given.