Modeling reflection and refraction of freeform surfaces

Authors

  • J. E. Gómez-Correa Instituto Nacional de Astrofísica, Óptica y Electrónica
  • A. L. Padilla-Ortiz SECIHTI - ICAT, UNAM
  • S. Chávez-Cerda Instituto Nacional de Astrofísica, Óptica y Electrónica

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31349/RevMexFisE.22.020211

Keywords:

Snell’s law, Reflection law, Ray tracing, Total Internal Reflection, Freeform Optics, Nonimaging Optics

Abstract

In this work, we present a detailed procedure for computer implementation of the laws of refraction and reflection on an arbitrary surface with rotational symmetry with respect to the propagation axis. The goal is to facilitate the understanding and application of these physical principles in a computational context. This enables students and instructors alike to develop simulations and interactive applications that faithfully replicate the behavior of light and sound propagating in a diversity of media separated by arbitrary surfaces. In particular, it can help to explore freeform optics. Additionally, we include a practical example demonstrating these implementations using either Matlab or open-source Octave programming language.

 

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Published

2025-07-01

How to Cite

[1]
J. E. Gómez-Correa, A. Padilla, and S. Chávez-Cerda, “Modeling reflection and refraction of freeform surfaces”, Rev. Mex. Fis. E, vol. 22, no. 2 Jul-Dec, pp. 020211 1–, Jul. 2025.

Issue

Vol. 22 No. 2 Jul-Dec (2025): Revista Mexicana de Física E

Section

02 Education in Physics

License

Copyright (c) 2025 J. E. Gómez-Correa, A. L. Padilla-Ortiz, S. Chávez-Cerda

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Authors retain copyright and grant the Revista Mexicana de Física E right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.