Article
On a Simple Derivation of the Fresnel Diffraction Formula and a Transfer Function Approach to Wave Propagation
American Journal of Physics
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
6-1-1990
Abstract
The Fresnel diffraction formula is straightforwardly obtained by solving a partial differential equation (PDE) for envelope propagation using Fourier transform techniques. The PDE, in turn, can be derived from the dispersion relation of a linear medium by employing a simple operator formalism. The transfer function and impulse response of propagation follows as a spin‐off and is used to solve illustrative problems. Huygens’ principle is visualized as a consequence of the convolution property of linear systems.
Inclusive pages
576-579
ISBN/ISSN
0002-9505
Copyright
Copyright © 1990, American Association of Physics Teachers
Publisher
American Association of Physics Teachers
Peer Reviewed
Yes
Disciplines
Citation Information
Partha P. Banerjee and Ting-Chung Poon. "On a Simple Derivation of the Fresnel Diffraction Formula and a Transfer Function Approach to Wave Propagation" American Journal of Physics Vol. 58 Iss. 6 (1990) Available at: http://works.bepress.com/partha_banerjee/81/
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