LaserCanvas is a rapid-development laser beam modelling and teaching application. It uses the ABCD matrix formalism to establish cavity stability and resonant mode sizes for oscillators, and beam propagation parameters for linear optical systems. This user guide is intended as a brief introduction to LaserCanvas features.
The core of LaserCanvas is the design "canvas," where an optical resonator or system can be designed real-time in 2D. Optics can be moved using the mouse. Alternatively optic parameters are specified using the Property Manager, which also lists properties relating to the optical system, such as wavelength, and gives access to advanced features including variables.
In addition to the 2D canvas, LaserCanvas offers the following design tools:
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| Tool | Description |
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| A linear representation of the optical system. | |
| A system parameter plotted against a variable value. | |
| An optic parameter plotted against a variable value. | |
| A table of values listing relevant properties for all of the optics in the system. | |
| A tool for optimizing variable values by means of a fitness function | |
| Show the system and its mode in a perspective wireframe view. | |
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To get started, we recommend you read the Top-10 Tips and work through the included Tutorials. Together, these sections introduce most of the features of LaserCanvas.
We hope that LaserCanvas is a reliable, useful, and robust application. However, it's a very difficult task to find all bugs and errors. If you find something that's wrong, or if there's something you'd like to see added to LaserCanvas, please send us your comments. We welcome your feedback!