Updates advance optical design for AR/VR systems

2nd January 2019

Synopsys Inc

Alex Lynn

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The release of version 2018.12 of the Synopsys RSoft Photonic Component Design Suite, which introduces new features to advance the design of optics used in augmented reality and virtual reality (AR/VR) systems, has been announced by Synopsys. The latest RSoft release supports Synopsys' optical design workflow for nano-textured diffractive optical elements that enable smaller, lightweight AR/VR devices with improved displays and immersive experiences.

Synopsys' design workflow includes an interface between the company's LightTools software for virtual prototyping of light as it traverses optical and mechanical components in an AR/VR model, and the RSoft tools for fast, rigorous modelling of nano-textured optical structures. LightTools and RSoft provide a multi-domain simulation approach that shares Bidirectional Scattering Distribution Function (BSDF) data to help AR/VR device designers achieve superior light extraction efficiency, beam shaping, and colour tuning.

In version 2018.12, the RSoft BSDF enhancements provide greater design flexibility and speed with:

BSDF files that can be calculated for X-, Y-, or Z-oriented structures.
Support for LightTools zone rotations in RSoft BSDF user-defined optical properties.
Expanded azimuthal symmetry support for faster RSoft BSDF calculations.
Support for non-uniform wavelengths, which is useful for RGB colour displays in AR/VR systems.

"With the LightTools and RSoft products' multi-domain simulation approach that combines macro- and nano-scale optical engineering, designers can create AR/VR models that provide end users with a superior sense of display immersion and visual comfort," said George Bayz, Vice President of Synopsys' Optical Solutions Group. "By using Synopsys' complete AR/VR design solutions, designers can be confident of getting the results they need for first-time-right manufacturing."

Synopsys' RSoft products version 2018.12 are available now. Customers with a current maintenance agreement can download this version from the Synopsys website using their SolvNet account.