Fourier Optics - Overview of Light Propagation in Homogeneous, Source-free Media

Overview of Light Propagation in Homogeneous, Source-free Media

Light can be described as a waveform propagating through free space (vacuum) or a material medium (such as air or glass). Mathematically, the (real valued) amplitude of one wave component is represented by a scalar wave function u that depends on both space and time:

where

represents position in three dimensional space, and t represents time.

Read more about this topic:  Fourier Optics

Famous quotes containing the words light and/or media:

    As one child psychologist friend of mine explains it with tongue in cheek, your baby only needs a lot of light at night if he’s reading or he’s entertaining guests.
    Lawrence Kutner (20th century)

    Never before has a generation of parents faced such awesome competition with the mass media for their children’s attention. While parents tout the virtues of premarital virginity, drug-free living, nonviolent resolution of social conflict, or character over physical appearance, their values are daily challenged by television soaps, rock music lyrics, tabloid headlines, and movie scenes extolling the importance of physical appearance and conformity.
    Marianne E. Neifert (20th century)