Dr TIM: Ray-tracer TIM, with additional specialist scientific capabilities

TL;DR

This paper introduces several advanced extensions to the TIM ray-tracing program, enabling it to simulate relativistic effects, complex lens systems, and interfaces between different optical spaces, enhancing scientific research capabilities.

Contribution

The paper presents novel extensions to TIM, including relativistic raytracing, simulation of perfect imaging lenses, and raytracing through diverse optical interfaces, expanding its scientific utility.

Findings

Successful implementation of relativistic raytracing.

Simulation of Eaton, Luneburg, and GGRIN lenses.

Raytracing through interfaces with different optical metrics.

Abstract

We describe several extensions to TIM, a raytracing program for ray-optics research. These include relativistic raytracing; simulation of the external appearance of Eaton lenses, Luneburg lenses and generalized focusing gradient-index (GGRIN) lenses, which are types of perfect imaging devices; raytracing through interfaces between spaces with different optical metrics; and refraction with generalised confocal lenslet arrays, which are particularly versatile METATOYs.