Finite-Difference Beam Propagation Modeling for Lasers in Ocular Tissues

A finite-difference solution to the non-paraxial wave equation with non-uniform arbitrary grid spacing is being constructed for the study of focused laser beam propagation in a cylindrical geometry.~ The model will incorporate thermal lensing as well as linear and nonlinear absorption effects to model beam propagation within the human eye. ~The goal of the study is to accurately predict the dynamics of retinal irradiance under conditions of non-linear propagation, with application in the establishment of infrared safe exposure limits. The poster will present a simulation of a Z-scan and comparison to experimental data.