Different models for a hard-aperture function and corresponding approximate analytical propagation equations of a Gaussian beam through an apertured optical system

Beam profiles that consist of a sum of complex-Gaussian functions, a sum of polynomial-Gaussian functions and a sum of multi-Gaussian functions offset by some fixed amount are proposed as three types of model for a hard-aperture function. By expanding an aperture function into these models, approximate analytical propagation equations for a Gaussian beam through an apertured AB CD optical system are obtained. Comparison among these models themselves and among propagation characteristics of a Gaussian beam through these models are made. It is shown that the first and third types of model for a hard-aperture function are more suitable than the second type, in terms of calculation efficiency and simulation results, for application to such diffraction problems. Moreover, there are some differences in the applicability of the first and the third models. (c) 2005 Optical Society of America.