Study of the new wave fields appearing in crystals deformed by large thermal gradients

Abstract

The criterion for the validity of geometrical optics is quantitatively examined through a 'computer experiment' in the specific case of a crystal containing substantial deformations induced by a large thermal gradient. It is shown that the above-mentioned criterion is numerically correct. For larger deformations than those corresponding to the criterion the computed intensity shows that two wave fields appear where only one would normally have been expected, in good agreement with theoretical predictions. The intensity of the new wave field has been plotted as a function of deformation.