1+1+2 covariant formulation of light propagation in spacetime

Abstract: We present a covariant approach to the problem of light beam propagation in a spacetime. We develop our considerations within the framework of classical geometric optics in general relativity. Using the concept of a screen surface orthogonal to the observer velocity and to the bundle of geodesics, we introduce covariant four-dimensional definitions for Sachs and Jacobi optical fields and for the area distance. Then we give relationships between them and derive their propagation equations together with initial conditions for these equations. Ultimately, for practical use, we transform the resulting formulas into the redshift-dependent form.