LaserCalc

LaserCalc is a tool to calculate optical paths and resonators based on Gaussian
beam matrix optics.
Optical elements such as lenses or distances can be set up to an optical path.
An input beam parameter (z & w value) as well as the wavelength can be set. The
programm calculates the propagation of the beam along the path.
For an optical resonator the TEM00 Eigenmode of a given wavelength is automatically
calculated. Furthermore a stability parameter is derived.
An additonal feature is the mode matcher. It tries to find the best solution to
transform a Gaussian input beam to an output beam with a set of optical elements
(mostly useful lenses). It then tests all element combinations and shifts them
along the path to reach the output beam parameter as good as possible.
Further documentation can be found in the /doc folder (PDF manual).

I hope that somebody may find it already useful. I would be glad to get some 
feedback (critics, feature requests, etc.) Please use the interface on 
sourceforge.net:

http://sourceforge.net/projects/lasercalc/

For the future many improvements are planned:

	* more portable code base (e.g. for Windows builds)
	* more documentation
	* support for astigmatic beams (calculation of tangential and saggital planes)
	* implementation of further optical elements (blocks, cylindric lenses, 
		laser rods, mirrors, ...)
	* possibility to tilt elements
	* 3D visualization
	* calculation of losses (elements may be absorptive and reflective)
	* integration of Jones matrices to simulate polarization
	* optimization of resonators with respect to given criteria
	* stability plots of a resonator while varying one or two parameters
	* further data analysis of a path (Rayleigh length, mode spacing, ... )
	* implementation of high TEM modes (?)
	* what else ? ... tell me!!

Udo Eisenbarth 2008 <udo.eisenbarth@arcor.de>
