Astrophysics uses wave optics or geometrical optics?

Thread starter Christian Grey
Start date Jul 30, 2015
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Astrophysics Geometrical Geometrical optics Optics Wave Wave optics

AI Thread Summary

Astrophysics employs both wave optics and geometrical optics, depending on the specific context and phenomena being studied. Wave optics is crucial for understanding light behaviors such as diffraction and interference, which are significant in various astrophysical applications. Geometrical optics, focusing on reflection and refraction, is also utilized, particularly in telescope design and light propagation. The integration of both approaches allows for a comprehensive understanding of light in astrophysical research. Overall, the choice between wave and geometrical optics is determined by the specific requirements of the study at hand.

Jul 30, 2015

Christian Grey

I know Astrophysics uses concepts like relativity etc. But I want to know does it uses wave optics or geometrical optics? The phenomenon of light,wave optics(reflection,refraction,polarization,diffraction and interference) that we see everyday, is used in Astrophysics? Or does it uses geometrical optics(which only includes reflection and refraction) ?

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Jul 30, 2015

Dr. Courtney

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Most fields use both ray optics and wave optics depending on context.

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