Modeling birefringence in optomechanical design and analysis software

Richard A. Hassler; G. Groot Gregory; Edward R. Freniere

doi:10.1117/12.481189

4 September 2002 Modeling birefringence in optomechanical design and analysis software

Richard A. Hassler, G. Groot Gregory, Edward R. Freniere

Proceedings Volume 4769, Optical Design and Analysis Software II; (2002) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.481189
Event: International Symposium on Optical Science and Technology, 2002, Seattle, WA, United States

Abstract

Opto-mechanical engineers are taking advantage of the birefringence exhibited in uniaxial crystals to control light in a wide range of applications. Software tools are required which can handle light propagation through such crystals; but these tools must also offer an intuitive interface to the user. Rigorous physics calculations are required at the optical component level to deal with beam doubling and flux propagation. However, these components are immediately combined into sub-assemblies where opto-mechanical packaging concerns arise. An intuitive, CAD-like interface coupled with accurate ray propagation algorithms has been implemented in TracePro, a commercial optical analysis program. In this tool components, sub-assemblies, and assemblies can be readily positioned and oriented. The performance of the optical systems is evaluated via raytracing. In essence, the software presents a virtual laboratory or optical bench. The birefringence ray tracing capability in a three dimensional, computer aided design (CAD) environment will be described. This analysis provides the design engineer the capability to model a variety of optical components used in telecom applications such as polarization independent isolators, circulators, beam displacers and interleavers. Several examples illustrating the application of this analysis will be presented.

Citation Download Citation

Richard A. Hassler, G. Groot Gregory, and Edward R. Freniere "Modeling birefringence in optomechanical design and analysis software", Proc. SPIE 4769, Optical Design and Analysis Software II, (4 September 2002); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.481189

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available