Optics for focusing of ultra-short laser pulses

We have developed a tool for the simulation of ultra-short laser pulse propagation through complex real optical systems based on a combination of ray-tracing and wave optical propagation methods, which can also be used as a design tool. The focussing properties of different lenses are analyzed and the results are demonstrated. A design for a special focussing optic will be presented. Its focussing properties are compared to a commonly used microscope objective in theory and experimentally.