Birefringent

Zemax models birefringent uniaxial crystals such as Calcite. These materials are complex to ray trace through because the ray refraction angle depends upon the material index of refraction, as is usually the case, but the effective index of the media is a complex function of the angle the ray makes in the media with respect to both the surface normal and the crystal axis vector.

Zemax supports a fully 3D treatment which correctly propagates rays and computes correct phase for any polarization state, at any angle of incidence, for arbitrary orientation of the crystal axis vector, with no restrictions. Even polarization transmitted intensity is properly accounted for.

Both the ordinary and extraordinary paths may be computed, and Zemax allows complete dispersion modeling for both the ordinary and extraordinary index of refraction.

A library of birefringent materials is included, and new materials of arbitrary dispersion may be user defined. Birefringent materials whose crystal axis orientation varies as a function of position are also supported.

Related Knowledge Base articles:
How To Design Birefringent Polarizers