Gaussian optics

With Gaussian optics could refer to:

• Optics using Gaussian rays . This is a physical principle that describes the propagation of electromagnetic waves , for example light. It is more general than geometric optics because it also takes diffraction and interference into account. In particular, when describing the propagation of laser light , geometrical optics are not sufficient and the laws of Gaussian optics are used. See also beam parameter product

• An interpretation of paraxial optics . This is an approximation for rays near the axis in geometric optics .