A Graph-Based Laser Path Solver Algorithm for Virtual Reality Laboratory Simulations

TL;DR

femtoPro is a VR laser laboratory simulation tool that uses a dynamic graph-based algorithm to efficiently simulate optical phenomena in real time, even on limited hardware, enhancing user experience.

Contribution

The paper introduces a novel dynamic graph-based algorithm for real-time optical simulations in VR, optimizing resource use through selective path updates.

Findings

Achieves real-time simulation of linear and nonlinear optics in VR.

Maintains smooth user experience on mobile VR devices.

Efficiently balances accuracy and computational efficiency.

Abstract

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.