An energy conservative hp-scheme for light propagation using Liouville’s equation for geometrical optics

Abstract

In this contribution an alternative method to standard forward ray-tracing is briefly outlined. The method is based on a phase-space description of light propagating through an optical system. The propagation of light rays are governed by Hamilton’s equations. Conservation of energy and étendue for a beam of light, allow us to derive a Liouville’s equation for the energy propagation through an optical system. Liouville’s equation is solved numerically using an hp-adaptive scheme, which for a smooth refractive index field is energy conservative. A proper treatment of optical interfaces ensures that the scheme is energy conservative over the full domain.