LightTools 6.1 Delivers Advanced Design Solutions

By DE Editors

The newest release of LightTools illumination design and analysis software from Optical Research Associates (ORA; Pasadena, CA) delivers advanced modeling and analysis features to facilitate the design of sophisticated luminaires, LEDs, and displays.

LightTools 6.1 offers a new Ray Path feature that makes it easy to identify exactly what system elements are contributing to light loss,  scatter, unintentional reflections, or ghost images. This is useful in the design of stray-light sensitive systems, such as microlithography steppers or astronomical instruments. LightTools also now supports accurate modeling of scattering surfaces by allowing users to apply measured BSDF data (both isotropic and anisotropic) to a surface.

The software comes with a library of BSDF data of reflective materials commonly used in luminaire construction. Support for gradient index (GRIN) lenses has also been added, including radial, axial, spherical, and user-defined gradients.

LightTools is available in French, German, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, and Korean, in addition to Japanese, which has long been included in the software.

For more information, contact Optical Research Associates.

Sources:  Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.