title: Precise evaluation of the Helmholtz equation for optical propagation.
abstract: A precise computational integration of the Helmholtz equation was performed for laser propagation of an electromagnetic wave with no approximations or linearization. This computation integration was performed using 64-bit processors. This is illustrated for a uniform monochromatic beam from a circular aperture that has a uniform intensity. It predicts many Arago spots and near-field intensity fluctuations for a large ratio of aperture size to wavelength and converges to the usual Airy pattern in the far field.
authors.forename: John E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Pond
authors.forename: George W
authors.initials: GW
authors.lastname: Sutton