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You may get an overview of all scenarios, tutorials, modules and snippets here.
We provide you with an ever increasing selection of documents, which should help you to learn more about the potential and the usage of VirtualLab™ toolboxes. You can search for keywords you are interested in using the Search command. Alternatively you can directly select a category from the list below. Three categories are of special concern to learn how to work with and benefit from VirtualLab™:
- Application Scenarios typically provide you with a Readme and VirtualLab™ sample files, which allow you to test and try a simulation or design yourselves. Some of the scenarios also come with an additional demo movie in which the use of the sample files is illustrated.
- Tutorials come with movies in which basic techniques to work with VirtualLab™ are illustrated.
- Modules and Snippets category offers you C# modules which solve special tasks which are not implemented as menu driven operations or Light Path Elements. You can run them as modules in VirtualLab™: With version 4.1 we have introduced Programmable Sources and Transmissions. They just need a short piece of code, the VirtualLab™ Snippets, to specify their operation.
Other categories provide you with manuals, product sheets, articles and technical notes. Information on how you can evaluate, rent or purchase VirtualLab™ can be found here.
Recently Added
Example for the simulation of the light propagation through a non-paraxial aspherical lens and the simulation of vectorial effects in the focal region.
This technical note describes the update procedure that is necessary to update the dongle of VirtualLab™.
Surfaces in VirtualLab™ are usually smooth. In contrast, real surfaces are always rough to a certain degree. This application scenario explains how measured data of a real surface can be imported from an ASCII file and how the resulting scattering can be analyzed in VirtualLab™.
The propagation of harmonic fields through arbitrary optical
components is the fundamental task in optical modeling. Unified
optical modeling by field tracing uses different techniques for
different components in order to ensure the best compromise between
simulation effort and accuracy. This approach can be extended to
non-harmonic fields. With a set of harmonic fields modeling partial
coherence of stationary sources is enabled. The same approach can be
applied to model the propagation of fully coherent ultrashort pulses
through optical systems, which may include for instance lenses,
gratings and micro-optical components. For that we can rely on field
tracing with its numerous sophisticated propagation techniques for a
single harmonic field. Methods to reduce frequency domain sampling
are presented. They allow a convenient pulse modeling in practice.
Several examples are presented using ultrashort pulse modeling with
VirtualLab™.
This snippet defines a parameter run where an arbitrary number of parameters is varied randomly. It can be used for tolerancing.
In this application scenario we show how a resonator with a micro-structured mirror can be designed such that the eigenmode has a pre-defined amplitude. In particular we design an eigenmode with a top-hat shape.
Recently the importance of numerical simulations for the design of laser resonators has grown considerably. This applies in particular if the alignment
of components within the resonator is crucial for its stability. In such cases
a tolerance analysis is required that can be done most effciently using numerical simulation tools. In this paper, we introduce a computer model for
resonators based on components and their combination using absolute or
relative positioning. We show that this approach is the basis for tolerancing and sensitivity analysis. Further we discuss the concepts of field tracing
and unified optical modeling that allow the coupling of several propagation
methods within one modeling task. For laser resonators this involves in particular free space propagation methods as the Fresnel integral, geometrical
optics and split step beam propagation methods. The primary goal is to
provide a fully vectorial simulation as accurate as required and as fast as
possible. This approach covers in particular general eigenmode models and
general geometries including micro-structured surfaces that can be used for
additional beam control as it is shown in the examples.
This snippet defines a microlens array on a rectangular grid. Each microlens is a conical interface.
The simulation of a high NA refractive micro lens array will be demonstrated. The microlens array is simulated using the programmable interface.
The simulation of a sinusoidal grating with a rough random surface will be demonstrated. The simulation is done using the programmable grating of VirtualLab™.
Categories
Application Scenarios
Example for the simulation of the light propagation through a non-paraxial aspherical lens and the simulation of vectorial effects in the focal region.
Surfaces in VirtualLab™ are usually smooth. In contrast, real surfaces are always rough to a certain degree. This application scenario explains how measured data of a real surface can be imported from an ASCII file and how the resulting scattering can be analyzed in VirtualLab™.
In this application scenario we show how a resonator with a micro-structured mirror can be designed such that the eigenmode has a pre-defined amplitude. In particular we design an eigenmode with a top-hat shape.
The simulation of a high NA refractive micro lens array will be demonstrated. The microlens array is simulated using the programmable interface.
The simulation of a sinusoidal grating with a rough random surface will be demonstrated. The simulation is done using the programmable grating of VirtualLab™.
Demonstrates the simulation of a spherical lens used for coupling of light into a single mode fiber and shows the optimization of the fiber position by the parameter run.
This scenario shows the simulation of a diffractive beam splitting element by the double interface component of VirtualLab™. The surface profile is defined by discrete height samples. For the simulation the sampled interface will be used.
In this scenario we show how parameter studies can be realized in VirtualLab™ in order to investigate the dependence of eigenmodes of resonators from system parameters. In particular we consider the variation of aperture sizes and the resulting variation of beam parameters as radius and M^2.
This scenario demonstrates how eigenmodes and eigenvalues of laser resonators can be computed. Resonators with idealized components (mirrors, lenses) and real components with index modulated media are considered.
It is demonstrated how a GRIN lens with a pitch of 0.25 can be simulated with VirtualLab™.
This application scenario for VirtualLab™ demonstrates how to rigorously calculate the field inside a grating with two examples: an isosceles triangular grating and a chromium slit.
The reflectivity of fiber Bragg gratings in dependency of the wavelength and the length of the fiber is analyzed in VirtualLab™.
Hybrid laser modes are locally polarized. Its generation is illustrated. Especially radial and azimuthal polarisation
is considered. The polarization view is used to investigate local polarization.
A coated slanted grating is generated with the Programmable Grating Component of VirtualLab™.
Shows the design of a diffractive optical element for diffuse deflection of light along the x-axis.
Example for the optimization of a diffractive optical element for diffuse illumination of a rectangular area (Top Hat)
Example for the design of a diffractive optical element for the generation of a general 2D diffuse intensity distribution. Valid for: Diffractive Optics Toolbox Basic.
Example for the design of a diffractive optical element for the generation of a general 2D diffuse intensity distribution. Valid for: Diffractive Optics Toolbox Basic.
The application scenario shows the design of a diffractive beam splitter for splitting of one laser beam into a regular array of 5x5 beams.
The application scenario shows the design of a diffractive beam splitter for splitting of one laser beam into a regular array of 5x5 beams.
This application scenario demonstrates the design of a diffractive beam splitting element for the generation of a 2D spot array. The spot array is defined by a bitmap file.
This application scenario demonstrates the design of a diffractive beam splitting element for the generation of a 2D spot array. The spot array is defined by a bitmap file.
Designs of diffractive optical elements are often done in two steps. The first step is the optimization of a transmission and the second step the calculation of a height profile. This Example shows the calculation of a height profile of DOE from a transmission and the generation of fabrication data.
The rigorous analysis of a sinusoidal grating by FMM is discussed. The near
field as well as the diffraction efficiency is discussed. The parameter run
is used, to maximize the diffraction efficiency of the 1st order by the
height of the grating profile.
The rigorous analysis of a sinusoidal grating by FMM is discussed. The near
field as well as the diffraction efficiency is discussed. The parameter run
is used, to maximize the diffraction efficiency of the 1st order by the
height of the grating profile.
The application scenario shows how to perform a rigorous analysis of a diffractive 1:6 beam splitter optimized by the diffractive optics toolbox.
The application scenario shows how to perform a rigorous analysis of a diffractive 1:6 beam splitter optimized by the diffractive optics toolbox.
Shows the simulation of a homogenization system for an excimer laser beam using a diffractive diffuser. The diffuser is optimized to generate a circular top hat.
Shows the simulation of a homogenization system for an excimer laser beam using a diffractive diffuser. The diffuser is optimized to generate a circular top hat.
Illumination of Rectangular Area (Top Hat) with High Homogeneity by Diffractive Beam Shaper
Illumination of Rectangular Area (Top Hat) with High Homogeneity by Diffractive Beam Shaper
Shows the simulation of the light propagation through a non-paraxial spherical lens and the simulation of the quality of a laser beam in the focal plane.
Shows the simulation of the light propagation through a non-paraxial spherical lens and the simulation of the quality of a laser beam in the focal plane.
Demonstrates the import of lens data from Zemax and the simulation of light propagation through lens system including the calculation of laser beam parameters in focal plane.
Demonstrates the import of lens data from Zemax and the simulation of light propagation through lens system including the calculation of laser beam parameters in focal plane.
This application scenario shows the simulation of a non-paraxial beam shaping system. The diffractive beam shaping element is expressed by a quantized 4-level phase transmission.
This application scenario shows the simulation of a non-paraxial beam shaping system. The diffractive beam shaping element is expressed by a quantized 4-level phase transmission.
Demonstrates the import of a user defined phase plate from ASCII or bitmap data and shows the simulation of the diffraction at this plate. Valid for: Starter Toolbox Basic; Diffractive Optics Toolbox Basic
Illustration of transforming linearly into circularly or any kind of elliptically polarized light. The use of Jones matrices and the Polarization View is described.
Illustration of transforming linearly into circularly or any kind of elliptically polarized light. The use of Jones matrices and the Polarization View is described.
A 2f-setup is used to investigate far-field diffraction at a rectangular and circular apertures, which is modeled by an ideal aperture transmission function.
A 2f-setup is used to investigate far-field diffraction at a rectangular and circular apertures, which is modeled by an ideal aperture transmission function.
Near field diffraction of a Gaussian beam at an aperture, which is modeled by an ideal aperture transmission function, is investigated. To this end the automatic propagation operator is used. Continued in RSI.002c.
Near field diffraction of a Gaussian beam at an aperture, which is modeled by an ideal aperture transmission function, is investigated. To this end the automatic propagation operator is used. Continued in RSI.002c.
Near field diffraction of a Gaussian beam at an aperture, which is modeled by an ideal aperture transmission function, is investigated. To this end the Parameter Run feature of VirtualLab is used to illustrate the change of the field dependent of the distance.
Near field diffraction of a Gaussian beam at an aperture, which is modeled by an ideal aperture transmission function, is investigated. To this end the Parameter Run feature of VirtualLab is used to illustrate the change of the field dependent of the distance.
The resolution limit of an imaging system with an ideal lens is investigated. To this end we use an ideal grating object and consider its image for different periods. Abbes resolution limit is illustrated. The effect of the wavelength on the resolution is also demonstrated.
The resolution limit of an imaging system with an ideal lens is investigated. To this end we use an ideal grating object and consider its image for different periods. Abbes resolution limit is illustrated. The effect of the wavelength on the resolution is also demonstrated.
Tutorials
Ultrashort pulse modeling with VirtualLab™ allows the investigation of fs pulses in focal regions. The tutorial explains the techniques to do that along an example with a high NA focusing lens.
VirtualLab™ enables modeling the propagation of ultrashort pulses through optical systems. This tutorial introduces you to basic techniques.
This tutorial explains the usage of the index-modulated grating in VirtualLab™.
This tutorial gives an introduction to the Laser Resonator Toolbox. It shows how the session editor is used to set up a resonator. Further the computation of eigenmodes is discussed. Finally it is show how the parameter run can be used to investigate the dependence of the eigenmode on parameters as the sizes of apertures.
This tutorial gives an introduction on how to use programmable light sources and programmable transmissions in a Light Path Diagram.
This tutorial gives a short introduction on how to setup and simulate a simple Light Path Diagram.
This tutorial gives a basic example on how to build up and modify a Light Path Diagram.
This tutorial gives a short introduction on how to use the Parameter Run
together with the Light Path Diagram in VirtualLabTM. The Parameter Run
is used to vary parameters of an optical system automatically.
This tutorial gives a short introduction on how to setup the propagation in a Light Path Diagram.
This tutorial gives a short introduction on how to use detectors in a Light Path Diagram.
This tutorial gives a short introduction on how to setup materials and media
in a Light Path Diagram that is used in VirtualLab™ to describe optical
systems.
This tutorial gives a short introduction on how to use light sources in a Light Path Diagram.
Modules and Snippets
This snippet defines a parameter run where an arbitrary number of parameters is varied randomly. It can be used for tolerancing.
This snippet defines a microlens array on a rectangular grid. Each microlens is a conical interface.
The programmable interface of the optical interface component of VirtualLab enables the definition of customized freeform interfaces. This snippet allows modeling of anamorphic interfaces with VirtualLab™.
This snippet defines an axicon interface for a given angle.
This module measures the profile width of a harmonic field, transmission, or signal field for a certain threshold (relative to maximum intensity). It is a generalized detector for measuring the full width at half maximum (FWHM).
This module generates a diagram with the spectrum of a Harmonic Fields Set at a certain (physical) position.
This snippet defines a cylindrical lens array function for a given rotation angle, period and focal length.
The module supports the user in setting up the parameters for the design algorithm and results in a standard transmission design document that is used to perform the beam shaping.
This snippet defines a double slit function for given width and distance of the slits.
This snippet defines a double pinhole function for given radius and distance of the pinholes.
This snippet defines a cylindrical lens function for a given rotation angle and focal length.
This snippet defines an axicon function for a given angle.
VirtualLab™ Manual
Current version of the VirtualLab™ Manual in PDF format. A PDF Reader (e.g. Acrobat Reader) is needed. (January 2010)
Product Sheets
Articles
The propagation of harmonic fields through arbitrary optical
components is the fundamental task in optical modeling. Unified
optical modeling by field tracing uses different techniques for
different components in order to ensure the best compromise between
simulation effort and accuracy. This approach can be extended to
non-harmonic fields. With a set of harmonic fields modeling partial
coherence of stationary sources is enabled. The same approach can be
applied to model the propagation of fully coherent ultrashort pulses
through optical systems, which may include for instance lenses,
gratings and micro-optical components. For that we can rely on field
tracing with its numerous sophisticated propagation techniques for a
single harmonic field. Methods to reduce frequency domain sampling
are presented. They allow a convenient pulse modeling in practice.
Several examples are presented using ultrashort pulse modeling with
VirtualLab™.
Recently the importance of numerical simulations for the design of laser resonators has grown considerably. This applies in particular if the alignment
of components within the resonator is crucial for its stability. In such cases
a tolerance analysis is required that can be done most effciently using numerical simulation tools. In this paper, we introduce a computer model for
resonators based on components and their combination using absolute or
relative positioning. We show that this approach is the basis for tolerancing and sensitivity analysis. Further we discuss the concepts of field tracing
and unified optical modeling that allow the coupling of several propagation
methods within one modeling task. For laser resonators this involves in particular free space propagation methods as the Fresnel integral, geometrical
optics and split step beam propagation methods. The primary goal is to
provide a fully vectorial simulation as accurate as required and as fast as
possible. This approach covers in particular general eigenmode models and
general geometries including micro-structured surfaces that can be used for
additional beam control as it is shown in the examples.
Talks
Slides of a talk given at the annual DGaO (German Society for Applied Optics) meeting in June 2009.
Slides of a talk given at the annual DGaO (German Society for Applied Optics) meeting in June 2009.
Unified optical modeling includes the analysis of color and coherence effects. The talk briefly discusses the principles of unified optical modeling and ist application for color and cohgernece modeling. VirtualLab, which is based on unified optical modeling, is used to demonstrate the concepts.
Diffractive optical elements are often used in laser beam shaping systems. It is known that they are sensitive to the variation of wavelength. During the last years new design approaches of diffractive optical elements were suggested using the different dispersion characteristics of glasses. This allows the reduction of chromatic effects. Nevertheless the authors show that especially the angular dispersion can’t be removed. The authors extend the known design methods for the optimization of refractive beam shaping elements. Again different glasses must be used to achieve an achromatization within a limited wavelength range. It is shown that this allow also the reduction of angular dispersion. The desig approach is demonstrated for the example of reshaping a Gaussian intensity distribution into a circular Top Hat.
Laser resonators consist in general of a series of single components including mirrors, lenses and homogeneous or index-modulated and active media. The goal of the simulation is to compute the eigenmodes of the resonator by an iterative procedure that requires propagating the light along the resonator in each iteration step. For that purpose several propagation techniques are available, for example, spectrum of plane waves and Fresnel integral, beam propagation methods (BPM) and ABCD Matrices with different approximation properties. It is shown that the simulation of resonators can be optimized with respect to accuracy and efficiency by adapting the propagation method locally to the individual resonator components.
The use of CGHs for the generation of three dimensional signals and its holographic exposure is an already known idea. But in the past the state of PC technique limited the bandwidth product very strongly. Because of the technical development of 64-bit operating systems it becomey possible to make simulations with data fields which are bigger than 4GB. The new 64bit VirtualLab™ Advanced enables the calculation of high resolution signals, in which parallax and shadowing 3D effects are included. The calculated signals have a resolution of 50.000 by 50.000 sampling points and more. The result of the design is a binary CGH with a diffraction efficiency of about 10%. The 3D signal is copied into a photo polymer which results in a volume hologram with high diffraction efficiency.
Technical Notes
This technical note describes the update procedure that is necessary to update the dongle of VirtualLab™.
This technical note describes how VirtualLab™ can be customized with modules and snippets and describes the used syntax. It includes the VirtualLab™ Programming Reference.
This technical note describes how VirtualLab™ can import light field data and hence, at the same time, how light field data have to be exported by third party software such that VirtualLab™ can import these data.
This document describes the definition and use of positions in Light Path Diagrams
This document describes the interpretation of imported bitmaps as polychromatic light.
This document describes the correct display of light on a monitor.
This document contains the complete Release Notes of VirtualLab™ 4.
VirtualLab 4.0 is available now! With a lot of new powerful and user-friendly features, LightTrans provides you with a new optics modeling and design package. If you have already a license and valid upgrade service, use the update service program to install the new version. Otherwise ask for your trial version now. The Release Note gives you an overview about the new features coming with VirtualLab 4.
This tutorial describes the update procedure that is necessary for the update of VirtualLab™ 3.x to VirtualLab™ 4.0.