Defining a Background Gaussian Beam: Paraxial Approximation vs. Plane Wave Expansion
Application ID: 116101
This proof-of-concept model showcases how to handle a Gaussian beam propagating in the negative y direction in 2D. The model includes several studies, including a parametric sweep, to cover a wide combination of settings describing the background Gaussian beam, such as settings for paraxial approximation (PA) and plane wave expansion (PWE), as well as wave vector count (Nk) and maximum transverse wave number (kt) settings for the latter option. The model focuses on investigating how these settings influence the accuracy of the Gaussian beam representation.
The model also highlights a way to estimate errors for PA and PWE options as well as the requirements for beam simulations with a subwavelength waist.
This model is inspired by the following 3-part blog series and complements the main points in each part:
This model example illustrates applications of this type that would nominally be built using the following products:
however, additional products may be required to completely define and model it. Furthermore, this example may also be defined and modeled using components from the following product combinations:
The combination of COMSOL® products required to model your application depends on several factors and may include boundary conditions, material properties, physics interfaces, and part libraries. Particular functionality may be common to several products. To determine the right combination of products for your modeling needs, review the Tabella delle Funzionalità and make use of a free evaluation license. The COMSOL Sales and Support teams are available for answering any questions you may have regarding this.