Trusted Simulation
Accuracy
Demonstrating Accuracy trough Comparison with Published Data
Comparing simulation results with published data provides a robust way to verify their accuracy and confirm the reliability of the methods used. Below, we present several use cases where simulation outcomes are directly compared with established data, demonstrating the precision of the simulation techniques.
Investigating Polarization in Diffraction Orders: VirtualLab Fusion vs. Experiment
VirtualLab Fusion provides versatile and powerful tools for the rigorous analysis of arbitrary grating structures using the Fourier Modal Method (FMM, also known as RCWA).
In the Investigation of Polarization State of Diffraction Orders use case, the software demonstrates its precision in modeling and analyzing diffraction patterns. While fabricated gratings are rarely perfect replicas of simulated designs, the comparison between experimental and simulated results reveals a remarkable agreement, even considering uncertainties in the experimental grating structure.
Precise Measurement of Goos-Hänchen Shift: Simulation vs. Published Results
When light undergoes total internal reflection at a dielectric boundary (e.g., from air to glass), the reflected beam experiences a lateral shift along the interface, typically in the direction of reflection.
The Use Case Precise Measurement of Goos-Hänchen Shift from Weakly Absorbing Slab investigates this shift when light reflects from a dielectric surface with a non-zero absorption coefficient (ϵ′′ϵ′′). These shifts can reach up to a few wavelengths. Simulation results are compared with published data, showing excellent agreement.
Resonant Photonic Lattices:
Validation of VirtualLab Fusion Against a Different Model
The Fourier Modal Method (FMM) is well-suited for simulating resonant periodic nanostructures. The Use Case Resonant Photonic Lattices examines gratings made of periodically positioned parallel cylinders. The 0th order reflectivity is calculated and compared with published results. On the left, reflectivity as a function of wavelength is shown for a plane wave source with TM polarization and a lattice period of 500 nm; on the right, the published data are displayed.
Other simulation results also align closely with the published results, despite the use of a different numerical model in the published data.
Variable Angle Spectroscopic Ellipsometry: VirtualLab Fusion vs. Published Data
Ellipsometry is an optical technique used to measure the thickness and optical properties (such as refractive index and absorption) of thin films by analyzing changes in light polarization upon reflection from a surface.
In Variable Angle Spectroscopic Ellipsometry (VASE), a broad spectrum of light is employed, and measurements are taken at multiple angles of incidence to enhance accuracy and sensitivity. In this use case, simulations of SiO₂ coating analysis using VirtualLab Fusion are compared with published data, showing excellent agreement.
Optimizing Beam Expanders:
VirtualLab Fusion vs. Analytical Models
A laser guide star is an artificial light created by directing a laser into the atmosphere to excite sodium atoms, serving as a reference for adaptive optics systems to correct atmospheric distortions in telescopes.
In the use case Afocal Systems for Laser Guide Stars, the goal is to identify which beam expander produces the smallest spot size at a distance of 10 kilometers for a given Gaussian laser beam. The beam expander is then defocused, resulting in a significantly smaller spot.
Finally, the waist position of the input beam is optimized, though this has minimal effect on the final spot size. The results are compared with published analytical data, showing excellent agreement and validating the simulation models in VirtualLab Fusion.