No label defined (Q4028088)

[For the entire collection see Zbl 0747.00041.] Lie-algebraic theory of geometrical optics [\textit{A. J. Dragt}, J. Opt. Soc. Am. 72, 372-379 (1982)] has become a very powerful instrument for the study of optical aberrations. Some recent results of \textit{M. Navarro- Saad} and the author have had a considerable contribution to the increased interest in Hamilton-Lie optics [J. Opt. Soc. Am. A 3, 340-346 (1986); J. Math. Phys. 27, 1449-1457 (1986)]. The paper under review offers an accessible introduction to Hamilton-Lie optics, being mainly addressed to graduate students with training in engineering, physics, and mathematics. The major scope of this contribution is to clearly state the basis and perspectives of the group- theoretical approach for studying the aberration phenomena. The paper, which is organized in six sections, begins with a short review of the fundamental results regarding Snell's law. The second section is concerned with the development of Hamiltonian equations of optics, which integrate to a Lie group of phase space transformations that are canonical. Section 3 is dedicated to the cartesian view of optics as determined by the geometry of phase space under Euclidean and other transformations. Section 4 defines a second Descartes sphere, which is used to introduce spherical harmonic functions on phase space. This provides the group-theoretical basis for the study and classification of aberrations, which make the object of the last two sections. The presentation is geared to the study of aberrating systems by using personal computers, and much attention is given to making the results accessible to graduate students.