Wavefronts and Rays: As Characteristics and Asymptotics

摘要

The purpose of this text book is to provide a background of physics and underlying mathematics for the concept of rays. The emphasis on and presentation of the theory of characteristics, which defines the rays, accentuate the beauty and versatility of this theory. The mathematical rigour of the formulation is played down to highlight the physical meaning and make the subject accessible to a wider audience.