A graph-based laser path solver algorithm for virtual reality laboratory simulations

femtoPro is an interactive virtual reality (VR) laser laboratory balancing the contrasting challenges of accuracy and computational efficiency in optics simulations. It can simulate linear and nonlinear optical phenomena in real time, a task that pushes the boundaries of current consumer hardware. T...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inSimulation modelling practice and theory Vol. 144; p. 103194
Main Authors Müller, Andreas, Mueller, Stefan, Brixner, Tobias, von Mammen, Sebastian
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Elsevier B.V 01.11.2025
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ISSN1569-190X
DOI10.1016/j.simpat.2025.103194

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Summary:femtoPro is an interactive virtual reality (VR) laser laboratory balancing the contrasting challenges of accuracy and computational efficiency in optics simulations. It can simulate linear and nonlinear optical phenomena in real time, a task that pushes the boundaries of current consumer hardware. This paper details the concept, implementation, and evaluation of a dynamic graph-based solution tailored to the specific requirements and challenges of the simulation. Resource usage is optimized through a selective updating strategy that identifies and preserves laser paths unchanged between simulation frames, eliminating the need for unnecessary recalculations. Benchmarking of real-world scenarios confirms that our approach delivers a smooth user experience, even on mobile VR platforms with limited computing power. The methodologies, solutions and insights outlined in this paper may be applicable to other interactive, dynamic graph-based real-time simulations.
ISSN:1569-190X
DOI:10.1016/j.simpat.2025.103194