Abstract

We apply the operator algebraic method to give a simple derivation of the impulse response for a paraxial lens system. The expression that we give contains the elements of the system's ray matrix that is seen to arise in a wave-optical context. In addition to providing a useful computational technique, the approach used here illuminates the relationship between physical and geometric optics in a Hamiltonian context.

© 1981 Optical Society of America

Operator methods in physical optics

David Stoler
J. Opt. Soc. Am. 71(3) 334-341 (1981)

Holography described by operator algebra

Moshe Nazarathy and Joseph Shamir
J. Opt. Soc. Am. 71(5) 529-541 (1981)

Cylindrical lens systems described by operator algebra

Joseph Shamir
Appl. Opt. 18(24) 4195-4202 (1979)

Static and dynamic behavior of speckle patterns described by operator algebra

Y. Fainman, J. Shamir, and E. Lenz
Appl. Opt. 20(20) 3526-3538 (1981)

Response of piezoelectric transducers used in pulsed optoacoustic spectroscopy

E. T. Nelson and C. K. N. Patel
Opt. Lett. 6(7) 354-356 (1981)