ZEMAX models the propagation of light in birefringent uniaxial crystals such as Calcite. These materials are complex to ray trace through because the ray refraction angle depends not only upon the material index of refraction, as is usually the case, but also upon 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.

This screenshot shows an unpolarised object scene viewed through a Wollaston prism rotated through an angle.

 

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. All ZEMAX features support the presence of birefringent materials anywhere in the optical system.