Fourier-optics imaging analysis with ABCD matrices: tutorial

The use of ABCD (ray-transfer) matrices to analyze wave propagation through paraxial optical systems, with emphasis on imaging systems, is described. It is shown how to find the image, Fourier transform, and exit pupil planes. Different forms of the propagation integrals are given. The propagation integral for an imaging system, which includes an aperture stop, is derived. The relationships between the aperture stop and the exit pupil and the impulse response of a paraxial imaging system are derived.