Design software enables optical systems with superior light control

The design module introduces a set of specialised tools to enable fast, robust modelling of reflective and refractive freeform optics in both single-surface and segmented configurations for a diverse set of illumination applications. Freeform optical surfaces provide many advantages over conventional optics for meeting complex illumination requirements, such as precise light control, innovative styling, compact system dimensions and energy efficiency.

The advanced design module leverages proprietary algorithms from Synopsys' LucidShape products that automatically calculate and construct optical geometries based on user-defined illuminance and intensity patterns. This unique, functional approach gives designers the freedom to focus on overall design objectives rather than the implementation details of complex optical components.

LightTools 8.3 includes capabilities to assist designers in modelling spatial temperature and power density variations in phosphor-based LEDs. Phosphors are known to change output under various conditions, including wide temperature ranges and changes in power density. These factors are important to consider when modeling phosphor layers in applications such as high-power white LED packages.

A application programming interface that gives users a high level of flexibility for developing custom volume scattering components that can be dynamically linked with LightTools is included. The API is particularly useful for defining interactions in phosphor-based LEDs.

A Volume Scatter Logger has been added to the LightTools Utility Library. The utility creates a log of scattering and phosphor conversion events to show what is happening in a scattering material, such as the amount of absorbed and lost energy, as well as shifts in wavelength. Without this type of capability, designers must infer what is happening within the volume by looking at the exiting rays. The utility gives users greater insight into where energy density changes occur within the material.