Through the thermal lens focus on different types of gaussian model

A common effect in high power laser applications is focusing through a thermotropic lens.While this effect is usually harmful, it can also be used for specific applications.For example, in the fields of optical tweezers and particle trapping, Ince-Gaussian modes are used because their beam profiles are preserved even when propagating through the focal point.Such applications can be simulated in VirtualLab Fusion with the new Ince-Gaussian mode light source and inhomogeneous media components.In addition, the precise physical optical propagation technology built into VirtualLab Fusion enables detailed analysis of focal regions, especially for complex focusing elements such as different types of Gaussian modes and thermal lenses.

Ince Gaussian beam focus

This use case demonstrates the focusing of Ince-Gaussian modes by a thermal lens, which is controlled by GRIN (gradient index of refraction)media modeling.

Gaussian beam focused by thermal lens

This example shows the change of thermal lens focal length, and different inputsThe resulting focused beam diameter at power settings [W. Koechner, Appl. Opt. 9, 2548–2553 (1970)].This example was published in [H. Zhong, J. Opt. Soc. Am. A 35].