Understanding Optical Transformations

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of "Optical Transform," exploring its definition, implications, and applications in the context of diffraction patterns and mathematical transformations in optics. Participants question the terminology and seek clarity on whether it relates to practical applications or theoretical predictions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks whether "Optical Transform" refers to simply shining light on materials to observe diffraction patterns or if it involves performing a Fourier Transform on light.
  • Another participant mentions that the term is used in contexts involving amorphous materials and disordered structures, suggesting efficiency in calculations despite modern computational capabilities.
  • A participant provides definitions of "transform" from a dictionary, highlighting its mathematical and physical meanings, which may contribute to understanding the term in optics.
  • Questions are raised about the outcomes of applying Optical Transform to the double slit experiment, particularly regarding the prediction of interference patterns without experimental validation.
  • One participant suggests that using a specific definition of "transform" could imply predicting outcomes without experiments, while acknowledging variations in terminology across different fields.
  • A suggestion is made to search for "Mathematical Transform" for more relevant information, indicating that "transform" alone may be too broad a term.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express uncertainty about the definition and implications of "Optical Transform," with no consensus reached on its meaning or application. Multiple interpretations and questions remain unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the potential for varying meanings of "transform" across different fields, which may affect the understanding of the term in the context of optics. There is also mention of the computational challenges associated with ray tracing in the past.

fanieh
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What exactly is Optical Transform?

Is it simply shining lights on material to see diffraction patterns? Why the word "Transform"? I can't get any definition of this in the net. Is it about performing Fourier Transform on the light and getting this displayed on the screen or does the screen patterns directly from the light source and slits or material? Thanks.
 
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fanieh said:
Why the word "Transform"? I can't get any definition of this in the net.
I found many links on Google... http://www.dlf.ug.edu.pl/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/DNA-Welberry-Optical-transform-methods.pdf for example says its used when more efficient like on amorphous materials or disordered structures, even though modern computers are fast enough to calculate the diffraction patterns easily.

When I was a kid simple ray tracing programs took days without a supercomputer...
 
http://www.dictionary.com/browse/transform

verb (used with object)
5. Mathematics. to change the form of (a figure, expression, etc.) without in general changing the value.
6. Physics. to change into another form of energy.

verb (used without object)
7. to undergo a change in form, appearance, or character; become transformed.

noun
8. Mathematics.
  1. a mathematical quantity obtained from a given quantity by an algebraic, geometric, or functional transformation.
 
What would happen if you do Optical Transform on the double slit, what are you supposed to get? Does it mean trying to predict the interference pattern of the double slit without performing any experiment?
 
fanieh said:
What would happen if you do Optical Transform on the double slit, what are you supposed to get? Does it mean trying to predict the interference pattern of the double slit without performing any experiment?
If you use definition 8, above, I would presume so.
Sorry about the 'soft' answer, the vocabularies in different fields often assign variations in meaning to the same word.
 
fanieh said:
I can't get any definition of this in the net
Try "Mathematical Transform" and then read a few of the links. "Transform", on its own, is far too wide a search term. :wink:
 

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