Comments on 'Diffraction, Asymptotics and Catastrophes'

Abstract

A recent paper by J. J. Stamnes [1982, Optica Acta, 29, 823] included a misleading discussion of the role of catastrophe theory in diffraction physics. Most notably, the singularity at the shadow boundary for edge-diffraction integrals was incorrectly called a catastrophe. The true relevance of catastrophe theory is discussed, with particular reference to edge diffraction.