Geometrical Optics via electromagnetic wave quantization

John P. Hernandez

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Geometrical Optics via electromagnetic wave quantization

John P. Hernandez

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Abstract

The basic laws of geometrical optics can be deduced from energy-momentum conservation for electromagnetic waves, without other wave concepts. However, the concept of quanta is required; it arises naturally, hence such a hypothesis could have arisen earlier than it did historically. Measurements to determine the angles of reflection and refraction demand that each incident quantum be either reflected or refracted; such a separation is central to the experimental results.

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John P. Hernandez. 2005-10-28. Geometrical Optics via electromagnetic wave quantization. https://arxiv.org/abs/physics/0510263

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