In geometric optics, the paraxial approximation is an approximation used in ray tracing of light through an optical system (such as a lens). See also list of optical topics. ... An approximation is an inexact representation of something that is still close enough to be useful. ... A ray traced scene. ... A lens is a device for either concentrating or diverging light, usually formed from a piece of shaped glass. ...
A paraxial ray is one which makes a small angle (θ) to the optical axis of the system, and lies close to the axis throughout the system. Generally, this allows the approximation (for θ in radians) sin(θ)≈tan(θ)≈θ and cos(θ)≈1 for calculation of the ray's path. In telecommunication, the term optical axis has the following meanings: 1. ... See Radian (band) for the Austrian trio. ...
The approximation is known as first-order raytracing or Gaussian optics. Ray transfer matrix analysis is one method that uses the approximation. Ray transfer matrix analysis (also known as ABCD matrix analysis) is a type of ray tracing technique used in the design of some optical systems, particularly lasers. ...
Small-angle approximation is a useful simplification of the laws of trigonometry which is only approximately true for finite angles, but correct in the limit as the angle approaches zero.
Small angle approximation is useful in many areas of physical science, including optics (where it forms the basis of the paraxialapproximation), cartography, and astronomy.
The short leg is approximately equal to the arc from the long leg to the hypotenuse, so the sine and tangent are both approximated by the value of the angle in radians.
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