geometric optics

Geometric optics {geometric optics}| models plane waves in flat space-time. Geometric optics applies if wave-packet wavelengths are much less than wave-front space-time curvature radius. Wave photons have same momentum and polarization. Photon number determines ray amplitude. Like adiabatic flow, photon number conserves. Light rays are null geodesics. Polarization vector is perpendicular to rays and propagates along rays.

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Physical Sciences>Physics>Relativity>General Relativity>Theory>Quantum Mechanics

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Date Modified: 2022.0224