Title

Geometrical Representation Of Gaussian Beams Propagating Through Complex Paraxial Optical-Systems

Authors

Authors

L. C. Andrews; W. B. Miller;J. C. Ricklin

Comments

Authors: contact us about adding a copy of your work at STARS@ucf.edu

Abbreviated Journal Title

Appl. Optics

Keywords

Wave-Propagation; Optics

Abstract

Geometric relations are used to study the propagation environment of a Gaussian beam wave propagating through a complex paraxial optical system characterized by an ABCD ray matrix in two naturally linked complex planes. In the plane defined by beam transmitter parameters OMEGA0 and OMEGA, the propagation path is described by a ray line similar to the ray line in the yyBAR diagram method, whereas the path in the plane of beam receiver parameters THETA and LAMBDA is described by a circular arc. In either plane the amplitude, phase, spot size, and radius of curvature of the Gaussian beam are directly related to the modulus and argument of the complex number designating a particular transverse plane along the propagation path. These beam parameters also lead to simple geometric relations for locating the beam waist, Rayleigh range, focal plane, and sister planes, which share the same radius of curvature but have opposite signs. Combined with the paraxial wave propagation technique based on a Huygens-Fresnel integral and complex ABCD ray matrices, this geometric approach provides a new and powerful method for the analysis and design of laser systems.

Journal Title

Applied Optics

Volume

32

Issue/Number

30

Publication Date

1-1-1993

Document Type

Article

Language

English

First Page

5918

Last Page

5929

WOS Identifier

WOS:A1993MC05300009

ISSN

0003-6935

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