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

    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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