Mielenz, K.
and Shirley, E.
(2006),
Optical Diffraction in Close Proximity to Plane Apertures. IV. Test of a Pseudo-Vectorial Theory, Journal of Research (NIST JRES), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD
(Accessed October 27, 2025)
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Optical Diffraction in Close Proximity to Plane Apertures. IV. Test of a Pseudo-Vectorial Theory
Published
Author(s)
,
Abstract
Rayleigh's pseudo-vectorial theory of the diffraction of polarized light by apertures which are small compared to the wavelength of light is analyzed with respect to its mathematical rigor and physical significance. It was found that the results published by Rayleigh and Bouwkamp for s-polarized incident do not obey the conditions assumed in their derivation and must therefore be dismissed. It was also found that the theory leads to paradoxical predictions concerning the polarization of the diffracted field, and it was concluded that the pseudo-vectorial approach is intrinsically incapable of describing polarization effects.Citation
Journal of Research (NIST JRES) -
Volume
111 No. 1
NIST Pub Series
Pub Type
NIST Pubs
Keywords
diffraction, narrow slits, optics, polarization, pseudo-vectorial theory, scalar theory, small circular apertures, transmission coefficients
Citation
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Created April 1, 2006, Updated February 17, 2017