Return to foundations of wave optics.
The Huygens-Fresnel wave principle is found to extend far beyond its traditional use. Using only elementary mathematical means, it is shown in particular that this principle suffices to provide the exact solution of Sommerfeld's problem of plane wave diffraction by a perfectly conducting half-plane. A more exact formulation of the wave principle itself is proposed.
Anokhov
Sergey P
SP
International Center Institute of Applied Optics of National Sciences Academy of Ukraine, 10-G, Kudryavskaya Street, 04053, Kiev, Ukraine. anokhov@i.kiev.ua