In optics, the complex beam parameter is a complex number that specifies the properties of a Gaussian beam at a particular point z along the axis of the beam. It is usually denoted by q. It can be calculated from the beam's vacuum wavelength λ0, the radius of curvature R of the phase front, the index of refraction n (n=1 for air), and the beam radius w (defined at 1/e2 intensity), according to:
- .
Alternatively, q can be calculated according to
where z is the location at which q is calculated, relative to the location of the beam waist, z0 is the Rayleigh range, and i is the imaginary unit.
Read more about Complex Beam Parameter: Uses of The Complex Beam Parameter
Famous quotes containing the words complex and/or beam:
“By object is meant some element in the complex whole that is defined in abstraction from the whole of which it is a distinction.”
—John Dewey (18591952)
“What do we plant when we plant the tree?
We plant the ship that will cross the sea,
We plant the mast to carry the sails,
We plant the planks to withstand the gales
The keel, the keelson, and beam and knee
We plant the ship when we plant the tree.”
—Henry Abbey (18421911)