geometric optics

A system of optical analysis wherein light is described as rays, providing the basis for ray tracing. Effects such as reflection and refraction are considered while others, such as diffraction and interference, are ignored.

Synonyms: geometrical optics , ray optics

See also: Gaussian optics , ray tracing , wave optics

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Geometrical Construction of Ray Diagrams

A popular method of representing a train of propagating light waves.