This note outlines the principles of the geometrical optics of inhomogeneous waves whose description necessitates the use of complex values of the wave vector. Generalizing geometrical optics to inhomogeneous waves permits including in its scope the analysis of the diffraction phenomenon.

PACS: 42.15.−i, 42.25.Fx (all) DOI: 10.1070/PU2005v048n06ABEH002633 URL: https://ufn.ru/en/articles/2005/6/g/ 000232636600005 2005PhyU...48..609T Citation: Timofeev A V "Geometrical optics and the diffraction phenomenon" Phys. Usp. 48 609–613 (2005) BibTexBibNote ® (generic)BibNote ® (RIS)MedlineRefWorks Оригинал: Тимофеев А В «Геометрическая оптика и явление дифракции» УФН 175 637–641 (2005); DOI: 10.3367/UFNr.0175.200506e.0637