Step-along power vector method for astigmatic wavefront propagation

Purpose To propose both a new algebraic solution and a graphical monitoring method for astigmatic wavefront propagation in the framework provided by power vectors. Methods The generalised propagation equation describing the propagation of astigmatic wavefronts from one plane to another is adapted to the power vectors formalism using a novel algorithm based on a step-along method. The step-along procedure is directly applied to the tuple of power vectors [M, J0, J45] representing an arbitrary astigmatic wavefront and it permits the calculation of the tuple of power vectors [M′, J′0, J′45] after a given propagation distance. This is achieved mathematically first by temporarily rotating the as…