
3
MATRIX OPTICS
Chapter 2 introduced the tools to solve all geometric optics problems involving both reection
and refraction at plane and curved surfaces. We also learned the principles of systems with
multiple surfaces, and we found some simple equations that could be used for thin lenses,
consisting of two closely spaced refracting surfaces. However, many optical systems are more
complicated, having more surfaces and surfaces which are not closely spaced. How can we
apply the simple concepts of Chapter 2 to a system like that in Figure 3.1, without getting
lost in the bookkeeping? In this section, we will develop a matrix formulation for geometric ...