A Method for Measuring Axially Symmetrical Refractive Index Distribution Using Eikonal Approximation

Abstract

A method for numerical reconstruction of an axially symmetrical refractive index distribution is proposed on the basis of the eikonal approximation. Although the procedure of numerical reconstruction is the same in principle as the corresponding theory used in geophysics, practical systems for acquiring data for reconstruction arc quite different. Possible optical systems are discussed and computational simulations are performed based on one of the systems. The results of simulations with the use of a hypothetical object confirm the possibility of practical reconstruction even when the light ray is curved in the object.