This book aims to overcome traditional ray paradigm and provide an analytical paradigm for Nonimaging Optics based on Field Theory. As a second objective the authors address the connections between this Field Theory of Nonimaging Optics with other radiative transfer theories. The book introduce the Field Theory of Nonimaging Optics as a new analytical paradigm, not statistical, to analyze problems in the frame of nonimaging geometrical optics, with a formulation based on field theory of irradiance vector D. This new paradigm provides new principles and tools in the optical system design methods, complementary to flowline method, overcoming the classical ray paradigm. This new Field paradigm can be considered as a generalization of ray paradigm and new accurate and faster computation algorithms will be developed. In parallel way, the advance in the knowledge of the principles of Field Theory of Nonimaging Optics, has produced clear advances in the connection between nonimaging optics and other apparently discontented theories of radiation transfer. The irradiance vector D, can be considered as macroscopic average of Poynting vector, with clear connection with radiation pressure. Lorentz geometry techniques can also be applied to study irradiance vector D. There are clear thermodynamic connections between nonimaging concentrator and Stefan-Boltzmann law of radiation. From this thermodynamic connection, nonimaging optics and irradiance vector D can also be studied from phase space point of view. This book is intended for researchers, graduate students, academics, and professionals looking to analyze, design and optimize optical systems.

This book provides a comprehensive look at the science, methods, designs, and limitations of nonimaging optics. It begins with an in-depth discussion on thermodynamically efficient optical designs and how they improve the performance and cost effectiveness of solar concentrating and illumination systems. It then moves into limits to concentration, imaging devices and their limitations, and the theory of furnaces and its applications to optical design. Numerous design methods are discussed in detail followed by chapters of estimating the performance of a nonimaging design and pushing their limits of concentration. Exercises and worked examples are included throughout.