Eigenmode analysis for optical cavities
With VirtualLab™ 4.5 LightTrans releases the new Laser Resonator Toolbox. It is a logical step to apply the amazing system analysis technology of VirtualLab™ also inside optical cavities. In its first release the toolbox enables eigenmode analysis of stable laser resonators. The analysis is based on field tracing which optimally combines various techniques for beam propagation. That allows for instance the inclusion of microstructures and DOEs inside the cavity.
Your Benefit
- M² beam parameter of the fundamental mode for varying size of an aperture.
- Compute eigenmodes, both fundamental and higher modes, and eigenvalues of resonator systems.
- Simulate micro-structured mirrors and diffractive optical elements as part of the resonator. Customized apertures are available.
- Import resonator systems from LASCAD for analysis with VirtualLab™ field tracing.
- Perform tolerance analysis of the resonator by parameter variation.
- Compute outcoupling modes and use them as source in exterior optical systems (Starter Toolbox required).
Selected Features
Eigenmode analysis including higher modes. VirtualLab™ provides two algorithms for analyzing resonators: the Fox-Li and the Arnoldi algorithm. The build-up of laser oscillation can be shown. Fundamental and higher eigenmodes and eigenvalues can be computed. The convergence of the algorithms is controlled and can be checked by a deviation detector.
Micro-structured mirrors and diffractive optical elements. VirtualLab™ supports the simulation of micro-structured elements as part of the resonator. Components as a customized mirror function and diffractive optical elements are available. In practice, those micro-structured elements can be used to design resonators with pre-defined eigenmodes, e.g., top hat modes.
Beam Parameter, M² calculation and parameter run. VirtualLab™ provides a variety of detectors including those for beam parameters and M². These detectors can be positioned in the resonator. Using the parameter run parameters of the resonator components can be varied automatically. This allows a tolerance analysis of the resonator system.
Great variety of optical interfaces and media. VirtualLab™ comes with catalogues for materials, media, optical interfaces and coatings. These entities can be used to build up resonator systems. Examples are conical, aspherical and polynomial interfaces, homogeneous and GRIN media. Further, interfaces and media are programmable or can be described by imported sampled data.
Import of LASCAD resonator systems. VirtualLab™ supports the import of resonator systems from LASCAD. It is possible to import thermal lenses and the corresponding refractive index data. The analysis of such resonators in VirtualLab™ uses combined simulation techniques including geometrical optics and split-step beam propagation methods.
Outlook Feature Development
- Simulation of polarization effects in laser resonators.
- Modeling of unstable resonators.
- Modeling of laser resonators benefits from all other developments in VirtualLab™.
- Contact us with your comments and suggestions for further features demanded in laser resonator modeling