Fundamental laser modes in paraxial optics: from computer algebra and simulations to experimental observation

Christoph Koutschan, Erwin Suazo, Sergei Suslov

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

16 Scopus citations

Abstract

We study multi-parameter solutions of the inhomogeneous paraxial wave equation in a linear and quadratic approximation which include oscillating laser beams in a parabolic waveguide, spiral light beams, and other important families of propagation-invariant laser modes in weakly varying media. A “smart” lens design and a similar effect of superfocusing of particle beams in a thin monocrystal film are also discussed. In the supplementary electronic material, we provide a computer algebra verification of the results presented here, and of some related mathematical tools that were stated without proofs in the literature. We also demonstrate how computer algebra can be used to derive some of the presented formulas automatically, which is highly desirable as the corresponding hand calculations are very tedious. In numerical simulations, some of the new solutions reveal quite exotic properties which deserve further investigation including an experimental observation.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)315-336
Number of pages22
JournalApplied Physics B: Lasers and Optics
Volume121
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 1 2015

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Physics and Astronomy (miscellaneous)
  • General Physics and Astronomy

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