Ray transfer matrix analysis

Summary

Ray transfer matrix analysis describes a paraxial optical system by a $2 \times 2$ matrix, the ABCD matrix. The matrix sends the height and angle of a ray at the input plane to its height and angle at the output plane. Each element, such as a stretch of free space, a lens or a curved interface, has its own matrix. The matrix of a system is the product of these. It gives focal lengths, image positions and stability of laser resonators by simple matrix algebra. See the definition.