On a Simple Derivation of the Fresnel Diffraction Formula and a Transfer Function Approach to Wave Propagation

Author(s)

Partha P. Banerjee, University of DaytonFollow
Ting-Chung Poon, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

6-1990

Publication Source

American Journal of Physics

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

Comments

Permission documentation is on file.

Copyright

Copyright © 1990, American Association of Physics Teachers

Publisher

American Association of Physics Teachers

Volume

58

Peer Reviewed

yes

Issue

6

eCommons Citation

Banerjee, Partha P. and Poon, Ting-Chung, "On a Simple Derivation of the Fresnel Diffraction Formula and a Transfer Function Approach to Wave Propagation" (1990). Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications. 157.
https://ecommons.udayton.edu/ece_fac_pub/157