Ray-Wave Duality of Electromagnetic Fields: A Feynman Path integral Approach to Classical Vectorial Imaging

Abstract

We consider how vectorial aspects (polarization) of light propagation can be implemented, and its origin, within a Feynman path integral approach. A key part of this scheme is in generalising the standard optical path length integral from a scalar to a matrix quantity. Reparametrization invariance along the rays allows a covariant formulation where propagation can take place along a general curve. A general gradient index background is used to demonstrate the scheme. This affords a description of classical imaging optics when the polarization aspects may be varying rapidly and cannot be neglected.