Optical System Modeling Gets a Boost

By DE Editors

Optical Research Associates(ORA; Pasadena, CA) has released CODE V 9.6, which, according to ORA,delivers powerful new capabilities in optical system modeling,tolerancing, and optimization. For example, the software now calculatesthe scalar diffraction efficiency of a diffractive surface and includesthis in all diffraction analyses. This is particularly useful in thedesign of spectrometers and other grating systems, as well as forapplications in aerospace and consumer products using kinoforms. CODE V9.6 also improves the process of modeling complex optical systems witha new, simplified method for defining offset, tilted surfaces, andenhanced capabilities for specifying user-programmed surfaces anddiffractive phase profiles.

In the area of tolerancing, CODE V 9.6 enhancements include a singularvalue decomposition algorithm that will automatically select the bestsubset of compensation parameters from a larger set of choices. Thiswill improve as-built performance during actual assembly of opticalsystems. Also, tolerancing data is now more readily exported to othersoftware programs for manipulation and analysis. And, in terms ofoptimization, CODE V 9.6 capabilities have been extended withadditional built-in constraint types, along with more flexibility fordefining the optimization ray grid.

For more information, visit opticalres.com.