Visual modeling and simulation of coaxial optic system based on quaternion method

An experiment platform for simulation of optic systems is introduced, based on the theory of the quaternion application in the calculation of light propagation. The visual simulation platform was established with the visual C++ and OpenGL based modeling and simulating method. This platform can be used for the auxiliary analysis of optic systems in vibration environment. The function and the overall structure of the simulation platform are introduced. The computational flow of light propagation and the key techniques of visualization are presented. An optical system was employed to verify the correctness and feasibility of quaternion method in the calculation of beam propagation, and the pincushion distortion caused by the optical system was successfully simulated.