Gaussian beam propagation package.
Eugeniy Mikhailov
2013


= Main features =

Can treat lenses and empty spaces (with a given refraction index). And able
to calculate Gaussian beam propagation via ABCD matrix formalism.

== Gaussian beam travel visualization ==

Given starting Gaussian mode parameter (q) calculates q in the given point(s)
along optical path. There is

It can  propagate Gaussian beam back and force  and compare the beam
profiles after such propagation.

For a quick demo run:
```  solution_visualization_demo.m

== Mode matching ==

Automatically  search for  a way  to mode  match a  given Gaussian  beam to
desired one at given distance via set  of lenses in between. Very handy for
injection of a known beam to a single mode fiber or a cavity.

It might take a while to compute but for a quick demo run:
```  mode_match_demo.m

== Cavity design ==
- calculates if resonator is stable
- calculates and plots resonant mode profile

For demo run:
``` cavity_design_demo.m

= Brief history of the project =

The original  code dates as old  as 2004 (at  least I find some  files that
old), but  logged changes  started only in  2006. Initially  development is
done  by Eugeniy  Mikhailov with  first  files dated  by Jun  2006, but  it
was  started  even  earlier.  In  2012-2013 Matt  Argao  extended  code  to
automatically  find  mode  matching  solution from  given  set  of  optical
elements.

== Version 4.0 ==
Cavity design module

== Version 3.1 ==
Demos are added/modified

== Version 3.0 ==
Addition of the automatic mode matcher

== Versions 2.0 ==
Visual mode matcher check and beam propagation visualization

== Version 1.0 and earlier ==
Initial ABCD formalism and unrecorded modifications.