Open AccessNon-approximated numerical modeling of propagation of light in any state of spatial coherence
Author(s) -
Román Castañeda,
Jorge Garcı́a-Sucerquia
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.19.025022
Subject(s) - optics , coherence (philosophical gambling strategy) , paraxial approximation , coherence theory , physics , spatial coherence , fresnel number , fresnel diffraction , light field , fresnel zone , spatial frequency , coherence time , fresnel integral , coherence length , diffraction , quantum mechanics , beam (structure) , superconductivity
Due to analytical and numerical difficulties, the propagation of optical fields in any state of spatial coherence is traditionally computed under severe approximations. The paraxial approach in the Fresnel-Fraunhofer domain is one of the most widely used. These approximations provide a rough knowledge of the actual light behavior as it propagates, which is not enough for supporting applications, such as light propagation under a high numerical aperture (NA). In this paper, a non-approximated model for the propagation of optical fields in any state of spatial coherence is presented. The method is applicable in very practical cases, as high-NA propagations, because of its simplicity of implementation. This approach allows for studying unaware behaviors of light as it propagates. The light behavior close to the diffracting transmittances can also be analyzed with the aid of the proposed tool.