Learning Forum

[Albi.Pani]

Hi, is it possible to simulate a phase mask? like a spatial light modulator, that, interacting with the electro magnetic field, introduces a phase different from point to point.

In particular I am interested in simulating a beam with orbital angular momentum with a spiral phase plate

[Guilin Sun]

The  beam with orbital angular momentum can be created numerically and imported into source. Please refer to this example: Using an equation to define the spatial field profile of a source in FDTD – Ansys Optics

[Albi.Pani]

Thank you, but that is not the question. The question is: is it possible to simulate a sort of a phase mask ?

For example, the spiral phase mask to create orbital angular momentum beams

[Guilin Sun]

We have exmaples for phase masks (you can search online) however it seems you want to use  a phase mask to create some special light beam with a given input light beam. right? if so I think you can simulate, just try. FDTD solves Maxwell's Equations so as long as the mechanisim of creating such beam can be described by Maxwell's Equations it should be able to simulate. The question might be how to quantify the created beam, or how to justify it is the beam you desire.