The methodical observation of astronomic phenomena is one of the oldest forms of optics. Over time, ever more advanced telescopes and other related optics have been developed to give scientists an ever deeper look into our galaxy and the universe.
To analyze the performance of such systems, the fast physical optics modeling and design software VirtualLab Fusion offers the optical engineer multiple tools, ranging from quick system visualization based on ray tracing, to a fully electromagnetic physical-optics propagation of light, including diffractive phenomena.
To showcase the potential of VirtualLab Fusion in the field of astronomy, we highlight the following two use cases this week: The first one presents a full model of the famous Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope, including a discussion of the effects of the Schmidt-Plate. In the second use case we simulate different afocal systems for laser guide stars, based on the work from L. Clermont, et al., "Design of a laser guide star for applications to adaptive optics".
Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope
This use case showcases the simulation of a Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope with VirtualLab Fusion. It also investigates the aberration effects in a sample system.
With the fast physical optics software VirtualLab Fusion we demonstrate the analysis of afocal systems for the generation of laser guide stars, and further optimize the system to control the size of the artificial stars.
