About the project
About VisuPhy
VisuPhy is an open-source collection of interactive, browser-based simulations focused on optics, lasers, and photonics.
What is VisuPhy?
Many optical concepts are difficult to understand from equations and static diagrams alone. VisuPhy provides interactive tools that let you change parameters and immediately see how an optical system responds.
The current simulation library covers topics such as Gaussian beams, polarization, diffraction, ultrafast pulses, fiber optics, and nonlinear photonics. Each tool runs directly in a web browser, with no installation or account required.
Our mission
VisuPhy exists to make optics and laser physics more accessible, intuitive, and useful. The project aims to:
- Develop accurate and practical simulations for optics, lasers, and photonics.
- Make every simulation freely available to students, educators, researchers, and engineers.
- Help users build intuition through direct interaction with physical models.
- Keep the tools easy to access on desktop and mobile devices.
Open source
VisuPhy is open source because scientific tools should be transparent. Users can inspect the code, understand how a simulation works, report problems, and contribute improvements.
The source code for the project and its simulations is available through the VisuPhy GitHub organization.
Built for the web
The simulations use web technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. This keeps access simple: open a link and start experimenting.
Some tools are designed for learning, while others support quick calculations, optical design, or early investigation before moving to laboratory work or more advanced software.
Get involved
VisuPhy is maintained by people interested in optics, software, and scientific education. Contributions can include physics review, code, interface design, documentation, testing, or new simulation ideas.