Optics software recommendation?

[jeanius]

I'm looking for a piece of software that could assist in developing a schematic of an optics setup with train traces. Doesn't have to be fantastically involved (ie cheap/free is best), but I'm finding that drawing and updating lines in 2d solidworks gets tedious (unless I program tons of intelligence into the equations, but then I may as well write some optics software). Has anyone used or heard of something that could help map out optical components, assign source intensities/spectra, lens curvature, mirror refl/trans %, etc? 2d would be fine, 3d would be preferable. Thanks!

 

[NateD]

There are a variety of software packages available that can be used to develop optical schematics and ray tracing of optical components. The most popular packages are TracePro, Optica, and LightTools, which all offer 3D ray tracing capabilities with customizable optical components. These packages also offer features such as multi-wavelength analysis, non-sequential ray tracing, and integration with CAD programs. There are also several free and open source options available, such as OSLO and Zemax, which may provide the features you need without the cost of a commercial package.