
652 10. Scalar Diffraction Theory
where C
2
is a constant. This integral can be done numerically. The distri-
bution obtained should be changed to an expression in the x
0
y
0
z
0
coordinate
system in which the z
0
axis is along with the diffraction beam axis. From
(10.92) we obtain the relation between ζ
0
and z
0
0
:
ζ
0
= n
o
n
e
s
n
2
e
cos
2
α + n
2
o
sin
2
α
n
4
e
cos
2
α + n
4
o
sin
2
α
z
0
0
. (10.128)
Substitution of (10.128) into (10.126) and (10.127) will give the distribution
on the diffracted beam axis.
10.5 Refraction of Gaussian Beams
in Anisotropic Media
The propagation of Gaussian b eams in unbounded crystals has been discussed
in the last chapter. In practical applications, most problems are related to
the behavior of Gaussian beams in bounded crystals. For a Gaussian beam
incident on a crystal surface from free space, the propagation and distribution
of the refracted beam in the crystal belongs to such a problem, and it is very
important in laser generation, frequency multiplication, and interaction of
laser beams with other fields and waves such as the electric field, magnetic
field, microwave, and acoustic wave, etc.
If the complex amplitude distribution at a cross section normal to the
beam axis is known, we are able to derive the distribution of the refracted
wave through scalar diffraction theory. In applying this approach, because
there is no opaque screen as in diffraction at a small aperture, it is unnecessary
to make the Kirchhoff boundary conditions such that the optical field ampli-
tude and its derivative are zero simultaneously on the screen. As discussed
in Section 10.1, there are three diffraction formulas, and we may choose one
of them arbitrarily to give identical results. In this section the first kind of
Rayleigh–Sommerfeld diffraction formula is adopted, because with it there is
no need for the field derivative at the input plane. It has been proved that
the inclination factor in the diffraction integral formula can be neglected and
this does not influence its accuracy.
If the waist of an incident Gaussian beam is located on the crystal surface,
the waist of the refracted beam is on that surface too. The treatment of such
a problem is simple, and the result can be derived directly by solving the
scalar wave equation. If the beam waist is not on the surface, it will be very
complicated to solve this problem, and it cannot be done through solving the
wave equation. In this section we will discuss the latter case.
In this section, we discuss the refraction of Gaussian beams in uniaxial
crystals. In biaxial crystals it can be treated with a slightly modified ap-
proach. Because of double refraction, a beam with any polarization will split