Angular Deviations, Lateral Displacements, and Transversal Symmetry Breaking: An Analytical Tutorial

Abstract

The study of a Gaussian laser beam interacting with an optical prism, both through reflection and transmission, provides a technical tool to examine deviations from the optical path as dictated by geometric optics principles. These deviations encompass alterations in the reflection and refraction angles, as predicted by the reflection and Snell laws, along with lateral displacements in the case of total internal reflection. The analysis of the angular distributions of both the reflected and transmitted beams allows us to understand the underlying causes of these deviations and displacements, and it aids in formulating analytic expressions that are capable of characterizing these optical phenomena. The study also extends to the examination of transverse symmetry breaking, which is a phenomenon observed in the laser beam as it traverses the oblique interface of the prism. It is essential to underscore that this analytical overview does not strive to function as an exhaustive literature review of these optical phenomena. Instead, its primary objective is to provide a comprehensive and self-referential treatment, as well as give universal analytical formulas intended to facilitate experimental validations or applications in various technological contexts.