Numerical methods for the calculation of light distributions in optical media can profit decisively from current trends in the computer technology, whereby a completely new quality of computing power is achieved which so far was only achieved in supercomputer centers. Numerical methods to gain a deeper understanding of complex systems and to predict their behavior are thus becoming increasingly important.

The approach of this project is the overlapping view of different aspects in the simulation of systems, which are characterized by their mechanics and thermic of optical materials, laser dynamics, hydrodynamics of gases and liquids as well as nonlinear interactions of matter with strong fields.

In addition, the potential to build bridges and thus to realize hybrid solutions, predictions and insights of a whole new quality is explored. These cross-links are clearly beyond the current state of technology, and many fundamental problems with regard to the interfaces between the individual solution approaches and the very different spatial and temporal scales have to be solved. The basic research and, above all, the various fields of application that cover laser material processing, lighting, communication, laser or medical technology benefit from the resulting models.

In the sub-project 7 "Simulation of the light-conducting properties in coaxially flowing fluid pairs by means of wave-optical light propagation in fluid dynamically and thermally impressed refractive index distributions", the beam guidance in liquids is to be simulated.

For this purpose, light propagation is modeled in liquid or gaseous optical waveguides with a hybrid approach. Firstly, a flowing fluid column is simulated using the example of a two-fluid system. This is similar to a glass fiber cable: one liquid forms the core, the second the jacket. Secondly, the propagation of the light in this fluid column is modeled. The combination of these two simulations is in the main focus. The liquid guided laser beam can be used in laser materials processing as well as photo-sensory analysis procedures.

More information: www.hymnos.uni-hannover.de.