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See Optical and Photonic Simulations in a New Light

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E L I T E C H A N N E L PA R T N E R simulation@rand.com | RandSIM.com | 888.483.0674 See Optical and Photonic Simulations in a New Light Optics and Photonics – High-Level Definitions Although the words "optics" and "photonics" are often used interchangeably, it is important to understand the difference: 1. Optics: The behavior of light, or the properties of transmission and deflection of other forms of radiation 2. Photonics: The technology of light, including the creation, manipulation, and detection of light in the sense of light in a particle nature Together, optics and photonics cover the entire electromagnetic spectrum, from high-energy gamma rays and X-rays, through the optical regime of ultraviolet, visible, and infrared light, to long-wavelength microwave and radio waves. Developments in Optics and Photonics Simulation Software Many companies that use optic and photonic technologies are familiar with simulation software. A challenge has been working with the different software required for the different design levels: chip, component, and system. With recent software acquisitions by Ansys, this challenge has been eliminated. Now under one umbrella, the three leading optical and photonic software products, Lumerical, Zemax, and SPEOS, are sold and supported by the same company and they now integrate with each other to provide a more seamless product development process. About Ansys Lumerical, Zemax, and SPEOS 1. Photonics - Ansys Lumerical – If you are looking into microlenses, meta lenses, or microstructures, Lumerical is the right software. It is a complete photonics simulation software solution that enables the design of photonics components, circuits, and systems. It looks at the chip level photonics, whether they be on a circuit, waveguide, or fiber designing; its device and system level tools work together seamlessly allowing designers to model interacting optical, electrical, and thermal effects. 2. Optics - Ansys Zemax OpticStudio – The standard for optical, illumination, and laser system design used by leading companies throughout the optics industry and at universities around the world. Its STAR Module performs thermal analysis on the optics and optimizes workflows between OpticStudio and finite element analysis (FEA) packages. 3. Optics and Virtual Reality - Ansys SPEOS – Currently used mostly for lidar technologies, SPEOS can also be used for interior design to simulate lighting in buildings and rooms. It can evaluate real-world illumination effects for optical or mechanical systems by simulating a system's optical performance and evaluating the final illumination effect, based on human or sensor vision. Connecting the Software – Two Examples Companies can use each product separately as well as together in the same workflow. Below are two examples of using all three together. Both examples show the power of being able to move designs between the different software to perform tests virtually and verify efficacy before entering the manufacturing phase. 1. Introducing Optics into Product Design • To design a small optical system, manufacturers may need to add components like nanostructures or microstructures, which often can't be created with ray tracing tools in Zemax.

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