Geometrical Optics of Inhomogeneous Media

Focusing on geometrical optics, this work covers recent modifications and generalizations of the method of wave theory, such as the space-time geometrical optics of dispersive media in its most general form, and the theory of normal wave conversion in weakly anisotropic inhomogeneous media.

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This work is devoted to geometrical optics, the most effective and widely used method of wave theory. Along with the traditional topics of the discipline, it includes a number of recent modifications and generalizations of the method, such as the space-time geometrical optics of dispersive media in its most general form, the theory of normal wave conversion in weakly anisotropic inhomogeneous media using a quasi-isotropic approximation, and new versions of perturbation theory for rays. The book covers the formulation of universally valid boundaries of applicability for the ray method, based upon the concept of Fresnel volume for rays. The general theoretical discussion is illustrated by numerous examples related to optics, acoustics, plasma physics and radio-wave sciences.