The mode solvers are encoded as Java-applets. This implies
that Java-support has to be enabled in the internet browser with which
the programs are executed.
that the program code is interpreted by the Java virtual machine.
Consequently, its execution takes usually considerably
longer than running an analogous compiled code directly.
that the programs should run completely platform independent -- in principle.
Nevertheless the environment (operating system, browser, version
of the Java virtual machine ...) has a certain influence.
This concerns e.g. the appearance in terms of fonts and colours; more
significant: in particular new versions of internet browsers seem to be
prone to have bugs included in their Java implementation
(try an older, sound browser version with the same applet);
sometimes annoying: The applets try to open additional
windows, which may appear in a hidden, minimized state. Hence, if a window
does not pop up as it should or if it disappears unexpectedly, take a look
at your taskbar. Changing the url the browser points to while define, solver,
or plot
windows are open may have strange effects (close these windows first
by means of the close buttons they provide). And if you open two instances
of the mode solver in two different browser windows, you do that at your
own risk ... .
that for security reasons the programs are not
allowed to access peripherals, such as the local hard disk or a printer
(if absolutely unavoidable, the copy/paste facilities of the operating
system may serve for exporting numbers from the mode solver status windows,
screenshots can help to access mode profiles).
The programs are meant as a kind of pocket calculator for rough and quick
assessment of problems involving slab waveguides, and for purposes of
demonstration. The limited functionality is hardly sufficient for more
extensive design tasks, where one should resort to other computational
means. Analogous programs (e.g. the Metric tools) are available in our group, without a
graphical user interface, but applicable to a substantially larger variety of
problems.
