COMSOL software approaches photonics from many angles

May 13, 2010
While the COMSOL (Burlington, MA) Multiphysics modeling and simulation software can be directly applied to the simulation of photonics-related phenomena, it has indirect applications, too.

Danvers, MA--While the COMSOL (Burlington, MA) Multiphysics modeling and simulation software can be directly applied to the simulation of photonics-related phenomena (owing to its ability to simulate electromagnetic fields and many types of optical materials) it has indirect applications, too.

For example, Osram Sylvania is using COMSOL to models the effects of acoustic phenomena on the plasma in high-intensity-discharge (HID) lamps; the proper application of acoustic waves to the plasma can result in an increase in lamp efficiency of up to 50%.1

Osram Sylvania engineers are using both simulation and experiment to improve their HID lamps, with each approach revealing critical information that the other does not provide. In the simulation, acoustics, mass flow, and electric current are modeled at timescales ranging from 10 microseconds (for modeling instantaneous acoustic propagation) to 10 milliseconds (for modeling time-averaged flow).

A simulation of a bowed arc with no acoustics appears off-center (figure left; color is gas temperature, arrows are velocity vectors). With acoustic excitation applied, the arc appears well-centered (figure right).

Because photonic devices so often make use of more than just light, it can be quite handy to model other phenomena such as heat, electricity, sound, chemical reactions, or mass flow (or any combination) as wellas this example shows.

REFERENCE:

1. J. Olsen and T. D. Dreeben, "Experimental and Simulated Straightening of Metal Halide Arcs Using Power Modulation", IEEE Transactions, submitted.

About the Author

John Wallace | Senior Technical Editor (1998-2022)

John Wallace was with Laser Focus World for nearly 25 years, retiring in late June 2022. He obtained a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering and physics at Rutgers University and a master's in optical engineering at the University of Rochester. Before becoming an editor, John worked as an engineer at RCA, Exxon, Eastman Kodak, and GCA Corporation.

Sponsored Recommendations

March 31, 2025
Enhance your remote sensing capabilities with Chroma's precision-engineered optical filters, designed for applications such as environmental monitoring, geospatial mapping, and...
March 31, 2025
Designed for compatibility with a wide range of systems, Chroma's UV filters are engineered to feature high transmission, superior out-of-band blocking, steep edge transitions...
March 31, 2025
Discover strategies to balance component performance and system design, reducing development time and costs while maximizing efficiency.
March 31, 2025
Explore the essential role of optical filters in enhancing Raman spectroscopy measurements including the various filter types and their applications in improving signal-to-noise...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Laser Focus World, create an account today!