About:
The next KE Hub online Triage Workshop will be presented by Photon Engineers.
Mathematisation of Non-Hamiltonian Optics
Soon after it was discovered in the mid-60's, non-imaging optics was proved and demonstrated to enable a flux density greater than the source to be delivered to an absorber. This does not break the 2nd law of thermodynamics because of the Stefan-Boltzmann Law, but still suggests a wealth of potential applications, which have been surprisingly little explored.
Non-imaging optics is based on what Feynman in his Lectures on Physics (1, 27) describes as the "most advanced and abstract theory of geometrical optics" which "was worked out by Hamilton".
Over the last decade Photon Engineers has employed the considerable advantages of non-imaging optics to make significant advances in fields such as solar energy, optical wireless communications, optical sensing and materials processing.
We have recently gone further and designed even higher concentration optical systems based on what we are calling non-Hamiltonian optics, still not breaking the 2nd Law. However, systems design is being limited by mathematical formalisms essentially derived from thermodynamics and also from the principle of stationary action, which underpins Hamiltonian optics and wave mechanics.
What is required is a fresh look by mathematical physicists at how non-Hamiltonian geometrical optics could be mathematised, by considering only essential fundamental principles. This would avoid bringing in unnecessary assumptions that are intrinsic in the laws of thermodynamics and the principle of stationary action.
Academic mathematical scientists from KE Hub partner university departments are invited to take part in these workshops. If you would like to attend, please contact your local KE Champion to receive the meeting link or get in touch with the organisers, Lauren Hyndman and Diwei Zhou.
KE Hub Triage Workshops are informal discussion sessions where one B.I.G. Partner presents a challenge they are currently facing, with the aim of determining:
- What, if any, mathematical sciences approaches can be used to address the challenge?
- Who from the mathematical sciences community would like to take on the challenge?
- What mechanisms are most appropriate for driving the challenge forward?
The purpose of these workshops is to allow the B.I.G. Partner to engage directly with academic mathematical scientists to probe the scientific content of their proposed challenge. The environment is relaxed and interactive, and we encourage questions, clarifications and discussions throughout. You can find information on all upcoming and past workshops here.