Based on the criterion of nonintersection of rays, a new condition is found that determines the range of applicability of the geometrical optics approximation for oblique incidence of radiation on a refractive scattering layer. It is shown that the area of validity of the geometrical optics approach substantially depends on the "intensity" of fluctuations of the medium permittivity. The derived condition considerably extends the applicability of the ray interpretation of the wave field in the medium in question compared to the standard determination of the region of geometrical optics.
Department of Physics of Atmosphere, Faculty of Physics, Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory, Moscow, 119992, Russia
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