Algebraic ray trace analysis of spatial heterodyne spectrometers

Algebraic ray traces of various configurations of spatial heterodyne spectrometers are developed to derive general, approximate, formulas for resolving the power, fringe localization plane, and admissible off-axis angle for each configuration. Michelson, all-reflective, and field-widened configurations are considered separately. The derived formulas for each configuration are tested against exact numerical ray traces using optical design software and in general found to be in good agreement.