New view on the diffraction discovered by Grimaldi and Gaussian beams

Abstract

In offered work short historical excursus to the classical theory of light is presented: Grimaldi, Fermat, Newton, Huygens, Young, Fresnel, Fraunhofer, and Gauss. The ray analog of wave model of light and Huygens-Fresnel's elementary waves on the basis of consideration of geometrical model is offered. New geometrical properties of Gaussian beams are analyzed. The new, generalized interpretation of a corner of diffraction divergence of beams of light is given. Difference of geometrical properties of wave fronts of infinite and finite length is shown. Examples of possible application of our geometrical model in various areas are given.