Interferometry
With its non-sequential field propagation technology, VirtualLab Fusion enables simulation of a wide range of interferometric systems. Whether you are working with a Michelson, Mach-Zehnder, Shearing, or other configurations, Virtuallab Fusion is able to compute the interference pattern. This functionality supports a variety of applications including coherence measurement, beam splitting, optical testing, wavelength filtering, and collimation analysis.
Where Light Meets Itself.
- Multi-Scale Modeling in One Platform
VirtualLab Fusion brings together a variety of modeling techniques – including the S-matrix algorithm, local plane interface approximation (LPIA), thin element approximation (TEA), and functional models for idealized components, etc. – to simulate light propagation through interferometer components across vastly different size scales. This combination facilitates the solution of Maxwell’s equations for both micro- and macro-scale elements of interferometers within a single platform.
- Non-Sequential Field Tracing
Non-sequential field tracing allows light to interact with optical components in any order – just as it would in real-world systems. Instead of being restricted to a predefined path, light can freely propagate through multiple components and regions along various paths – potentially revisiting elements multiple times. This approach captures the full complexity of interference phenomena, including multiple reflections, overlapping beams, and partial coherence effects.
- Flexible Detector Modeling
This enables users to extract detailed insights from their simulations. Whether it is visualizing interference fringes as perceived by the human eye or through customizable color schemes, showing polarization changes across the beam, or detecting wavefront errors to analyze how imperfect collimation affects the interference pattern, VirtualLab Fusion offers a range of options to suit different analysis needs.
Experience the Power of
VirtualLab Fusion firsthand:
Use Case
White-Light Michelson Interferometer
A Michelson interferometer with a Xenon lamp source is modeled with the spectral property, i.e. limited coherence length, of the source fully considered.
Use Case
Laser-Based Michelson Interferometer and Interference Fringe Exploration
A Michelson interferometer is set up with the help of non-sequential tracing technology in VirtualLab Fusion, and the interference fringes in different configurations are demonstrated.
Use Case
Working Principle of Optical Coherence Tomography
With a low-coherence Xenon lamp source, a Michelson interferometer is built up to demonstrate the working principle of optical coherence tomography (OCT).
Use Case
Mach-Zehnder Interferometer
We build up a Mach-Zehnder interferometer in VirtualLab Fusion and demonstrate how the tilt and shift of component affect the interference fringe.
Use Case
Observation of Gouy Phase Shift in a Mach-Zehnder Interferometer
Gouy phase shift, which is a p phase term, can be observed by a Mach-Zehnder interferometer. The interference along optical axis is constructive before focus, while destructive behind focus.
Use Case
Complementary Interference Pattern in a Mach-Zehnder Interferometer
A Mach-Zehnder interferometer with a coherent laser source is build up in VirtualLab Fusion and analyzed by using the non-sequential Field Tracing.
Use Case
FTIR in a Cube Beam Splitter
A real beam splitter based on Frustrated Total Internal Reflection (FTIR) is investigated.
Use Case
Beam Splitter Cube
This use case demonstrates two examples for a real beam splitter component – one polarizing and one non-polarizing. (optical design setup)
Use Case
Modeling and Analysis of Wedged Reversal Shearing Interferometry
We demonstrate how such an interferometer can be realized in VirtualLab Fusion...
Use Case
Modeling of Total Internal Reflection (TIR) Prism
We illustrate the modeling of interference and vignetting effects at a total internal reflection (TIR) prism. Dependent on the characteristics of the impinging light, these effects are introduced by the narrow gap between both prism parts.