Relativistic theory of scalar and vector diffraction by planar apertures

Abstract

Using pulse solutions to the wave and Maxwell equations as diffracting kernels, I develop a relativistic theory of scalar and vector diffraction by planar apertures lying upon a characteristic surface of the wave equation. The solution is obtained in a closed form, as is the solution for diffraction by half-planes and edges with plane waves as diffracting kernels. The paraxial approximation of the relativistic solution yields the usual Fresnel approximation for diffraction by planar apertures.

© 1992 Optical Society of America

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