Paraboloidal Waves and Gaussian Beams

This lecture introduces the concept of paraboloidal waves as solutions to the wave equation, focusing on the paraxial approximation and the transformation into Gaussian beams. It covers the physical interpretation, mathematical derivations, and properties of these waves, including intensity, size, and divergence. The lecture also explores the application of Gaussian beams in measuring distances accurately using laser pulses and the challenges faced due to atmospheric conditions and equipment limitations.