Light Propagation Characteristics Research — Spiral Motion Model Replacing the Ideal Rectilinear Approximation

Classical geometric optics approximates light propagation paths as straight lines, yet this model bears obvious scenario limitations and cannot fully depict the actual propagation mechanism of light. The rectilinear approximation suffices for approximate calculations in most short-distance engineering scenarios, but encounters theoretical mismatches when explaining diffraction, scattering, long-distance transmission and astronomical observations. Starting from universal physical motion laws and the inherent definition logic of electromagnetic wavelength and frequency, this paper combines daily light and shadow phenomena, optoelectronic engineering applications and astronomical observations to re-examine the real propagation form of light. It proposes that light travels through space in a three-dimensional dynamic spiral ring energy structure. Planar closed circular motion is confined to a two-dimensional plane, lacking the capacity for long-distance directional transmission and inconsistent with light’s far-range propagation traits. Classic phenomena such as light diffraction, gradual shadow edges, optical fiber transmission and radar obstacle avoidance detection can be uniformly interpreted via the spiral energy ring motion mechanism. Rectilinear propagation is merely an equivalent approximation under short distances and small deflection angles, rather than the authentic propagation form of light.