TracePro® - Optical System Design Tool

Designing complex optical systems is easier than ever before. The Interactive Optimizer in TracePro® helps you automatically refine your models to meet a wide range of performance goals—quickly and accurately

Here's what you can do:

• Define absorption, excitation, and emission spectra of fluorescent materials as functions of wavelength
• Optimize lenses, reflectors, light guides, and entire multi-element systems
• Adjust position and rotation of optical elements and sources in existing models.
• Perform Monte Carlo tolerancing to analyze the impact of manufacturing variations.
• Work with advanced surface types, including BSplines, biconics, XY polynomials, and freeform profiles.
• Convert 2D and 3D paths into solid objects using extrusion, sweeping, and rotation.

Define your design goals using a variety of optimization operands, such as:

• Flux and irradiance on a target
• Intensity profiles and beam width
• Spot size, luminance, color coordinates, and more

Choose from three built-in methods: Downhill Simplex or Variable Scan Optimization, and Tolerance Analysis, available in both the Standard and Expert editions of TracePro®.

Whether you're fine-tuning a single lens or optimizing a full illumination system, TracePro®’s Interactive Optimizer gives you the flexibility and power to bring your designs into focus.

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Fluorescence is a powerful optical phenomenon where materials absorb light at shorter wavelengths and re-emit it at longer ones—a process crucial in applications from biomedical imaging to LED development.

Here's how it works:

• Define absorption, excitation, and emission spectra of fluorescent materials as functions of wavelength
• Customize conversion efficiency, molar extinction, and concentration for precision modeling
• Access built-in catalogs of fluorescent dyes—or add your own at any time
• Leverage a two-step raytrace process: excitation rays are traced, followed by the calculation and tracing of emission rays
• Model fluorescence as a volume effect—not just surface—capturing real-world behavior more accurately

Whether you're engineering next-gen fluorescence microscopy systems or phosphor-based lighting, TracePro® empowers you with the tools to simulate it all, efficiently and accurately.

Discover how TracePro® helps bring fluorescence to light.

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TracePro®’s wavelength versatility empowers you to simulate optical systems across the full electromagnetic spectrum. From deep-ultraviolet to far-infrared—and even into the terahertz range—TracePro delivers the accuracy and flexibility your designs demand.

Here's how it works:

• Assign material properties appropriate for your wavelength of interest, like fused silica for UV or TPX for THz applications
• Leverage TracePro’s extensive built-in property database—or define your own—to ensure accurate simulations
• Design, analyze and optimize systems across varied spectral bands with confidence, all in one platform

Whether you're working on UV sterilization systems or next-gen THz imaging, TracePro® gives you the tools to deliver.

Learn more about how TracePro® helps you work across the full spectrum of light.

TracePro’s Simulation Mode Raytrace® streamlines your optical design process, enabling efficient and scalable simulations. It lets you assign unlimited Exit Surface Properties for targeted analysis, save ray data as .sim files for longer simulations and future access, and seamlessly switch from Analysis Mode to verify setups to Simulation Mode for efficient large-scale ray tracing.

Here's how it works:

• Assign Exit Surface Properties to surfaces where analysis results are needed
• View analysis results on predefined surfaces anytime, without re-running the raytrace
• Run the raytrace in Simulation Mode to save data to a .sim file
  

With Simulation Mode, you can scale your optical simulations to meet the most demanding requirements, saving time and resources while delivering reliable results

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Did you know TracePro®  features an Analysis Mode Raytrace? In Analysis Mode the user can view results such as Irradiance/Illuminance Maps, Candela Plots, Polarization Maps, and many other analysis tools on any surface of the model after the raytrace is finished. Analysis Mode does not require users to predefine the surfaces where they want to see the results. This is a great feature when you may not know what surfaces you want to see the results on before running the raytrace.

In addition to the ability to see analysis results on every surface in the model, Analysis Mode will display the rays after the raytrace and give you access to additional analysis tools such as Ray Histories.

One limitation of Analysis Mode is that it is possible to run out of RAM when tracing a very large number of rays. For these applications TracePro® offers the Simulation Mode raytrace option.

A good option is to start with Analysis Mode so that you can see the rays and where they are going so that you can make sure the model is set up correctly. Then, if you need to trace more rays, you can easily switch to Simulation Mode.

The Analysis Mode raytrace in TracePro® gives you the flexibility to see the analysis results on any surface in your model, saving you time and increasing your productivity.

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Did you know TracePro® now features a Sequence Editor? The Sequence Editor brings sequential ray tracing capabilities to TracePro®. Sequential raytracing is the tool of choice for many aspects of lens and imaging system design. The Sequence Editor uses an updated interface for entering the lens parameters, such as radius of curvature, semi-diameter, material, coatings, aperture shape and size, thickness, and position.

Both on-axis and off-axis rays can be defined.

Analysis tools include spot diagrams, beam footprints, wavefronts, and point spread functions.

The Sequence Editor can also be used for reflective systems.

Lenses and optical systems can be transferred from the Sequence Editor to TracePro® with the click of a button. This capability allows users to analyze imaging system-based metrics and then easily transfer the model to TracePro® for additional analysis such as stray light and ghost analysis. This lets each tool do what it does best.

The Sequence Editor is available in the Standard and Expert editions of TracePro®.

The new Sequence Editor brings some of the capabilities of OSLO® product into TracePro®, expanding the capabilities of TracePro®.

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Did you know TracePro® features a Simulation File Manager?. One feature of the Simulation Mode Raytrace is that it saves a .sim file after the raytrace is finished. The .sim file contains the ray data from that raytrace. The Simulation File Manager in TracePro® allows you to see those results at any time in the future. This means you do not need to re-run the raytrace if you need to re-examine the results.

The .sim file is saved in the same folder as the model. One caveat with the .sim file, if you delete this file, you will lose the saved ray data.

The Simulation File Manager is found in the Tools menu in TracePro®.

The Simulation File Manager window will show the .sim files that are availble for the TracePro® model. There may be more than one .sim file available. For example, one .sim file may be for Irradiance/Illuminance data and a second may be for candela data. The may also be .sim files from previous raytraces using this model.

After selecting a .sim file, you can select the analysis results you want to see. Options include the Irradiance Map and the four Candela Plot options.

The TracePro® Simulation File Manager gives you the ability to review the results of a raytrace you ran last week, last month, or even last year. This allows you to save time and resources by not having to re-run long raytraces.

See it in Action!

Did you know All-Mouse Mode in TracePro®?

TracePro®'s All-Mouse Display Mode offers an intuitive way to manage model views using just your mouse. By enabling this feature, users can perform common display functions like panning, zooming, and orbiting with ease.

Here’s how it works:

• Orbit/Rotate Models: Press and hold the left mouse button, then move your mouse to rotate your model.
• Zoom In/Out: Use the right mouse button and drag to zoom seamlessly.
• Pan the Model: Press both mouse buttons simultaneously and move the mouse to adjust the view.
  

To enable All-Mouse Mode, simply click the All-Mouse Display Mode icon on the TracePro® toolbar. This feature lets you take full control of your workspace, improving workflow efficiency and precision.

Learn more about how All-Mouse Display Mode can simplify your optical design process.

Did you know that TracePro® features a Solar Emulator? The Solar Emulator allows users to define a location and time period and then model the performance of a solar collector as the sun moves across the sky for the given location and time period.

The performance of the system can be modeled across hours, days, weeks, months, or even years. Both direct and indirect sunlight can be modeled. Multiple sky models are included. Solar tracking can also be modeled.

The Solar Emulator is available in all versions of TracePro®.

Did you know that TracePro® uses multithreading for raytracing? Multi-threading means that TracePro® will use all of the CPU cores on your computer for raytracing. More cores gives you faster raytraces. By default, TracePro® will use all available cores, but the user has the option to use less cores if they want. In some cases, such as multitasking, this may be helpful.

If you want to use more cores with TracePro®, you do not need to purchase a separate license to take advantage of those extra cores. All TracePro® licenses allow you to use all available cores on your computer at no extra cost.

TracePro® lets you to use all of the CPU power you have available to get you your results faster.

Did you know that TracePro® offers complete control over raytracing through its Flux Threshold and Intercept Limits?

These features allow you to define when rays are terminated, optimizing your simulation efficiency and accuracy.

• Control when rays are terminated based on flux falling below a defined threshold (e.g., terminate at 5% of the initial flux when set to 0.05).
• Manage ray behaviors using Intercept Limits such as Total Intercepts, Total Scatters, Random Scatters, and Optical Scatters.
• Review termination events through the Flux Report available in the Reports menu
• Easily adjust these settings under Raytrace > Raytrace Options > Thresholds, ideal for lowering the Flux Threshold for stray light analysis.

For total control over your raytracing simulations, explore these powerful tools in TracePro® today!

Did you know Optical Path Length and Time-of-Flight in TracePro®?

TracePro® offers a powerful Optical Path Length (OPL) and Time-of-Flight (ToF) Plot that allows users to measure the distance and time rays take to travel through an optical system. This feature is indispensable for optimizing performance in systems such as LiDAR, laser range finders, and absorption spectroscopy.

Here’s how the OPL/ToF Plot can enhance your optical system analysis:

• Precise Optical Path Tracking: Measure the exact distance rays travel from a source to a selected surface in your system.
• Time-of-Flight Calculation: Accurately track the time rays take to travel through your system, a critical metric in LiDAR and laser range finder systems for distance measurement.
• Key Role in Spectroscopy: In applications like absorption spectroscopy and multi-pass gas cells, OPL is used to determine the absorption of a sample.
• Comprehensive Data: OPL information is also available in the Incident Ray Table for additional analysis.

The OPL/Time-of-Flight Plot is an essential tool for anyone working with optical systems where precise path length and timing are critical.

Learn more about how TracePro®’s OPL and Time-of-Flight tools can optimize your system’s performance and enhance your designs.

Did you know Path Sorting? 

TracePro® offers a powerful and flexible Path Sorting Tool that allows users to visualize and analyze the different paths rays take to reach selected surfaces in an optical system. This feature is a game-changer for those looking to perform precise stray light analysis or optimize their designs for performance and efficiency.

Here’s how the Path Sort Table can benefit your optical system analysis:

• Detailed Ray Path Tracking: See all the discrete paths rays take through your system, whether it’s a detector, target, or other surfaces.
• Custom Filters for Precise Analysis: Apply filters to view ray paths that interact with specific surfaces or have particular scattering characteristics.
• Graphical and Tabular Displays: View the ray paths either in a tabular format or graphically in the TracePro® model, alongside the Irradiance/Illuminance Map.
• Identify Potential Issues: Sort ray paths by flux to quickly determine if stray light could be problematic for your design.

The Path Sort Table is an essential tool for anyone working on optical system design who needs to understand how rays interact within their system.

Learn more about how TracePro®’s Path Sorting Tool can enhance your designs and improve your system’s performance. 

Did you know Photometric Analysis in TracePro®? 

TracePro® enables you to perform comprehensive photometric analysis, giving you the ability to simulate and evaluate key visible light parameters, such as:

• Luminous Flux: Evaluate the total visible light output of your optical systems.
• Illuminance: Measured in lux, TracePro®’s Irradiance/Illuminance Maps let you assess light distribution over a given area.
• Intensity: TracePro®’s Candela Plots provide insight into light intensity distributions, measured in candela (lumens per steradian).
• Luminance: Critical to what the human eye perceives, luminance is displayed using Luminance Maps and Photorealistic Rendering tools. Luminance is measured in nits (candela per square meter).

These photometric tools are indispensable for designing optical systems, helping you achieve optimal performance in everything from displays to lighting systems. For even deeper analysis, TracePro® offers radiometric equivalents, providing insight into radiant flux, irradiance, radiant intensity, and radiance.

Learn more about how you can take advantage of TracePro®’s advanced photometric capabilities to optimize your optical designs. 

Did you know past installers of TracePro® are available? 

If you have a TracePro® license and need to install a non-current version of TracePro® on a new or different computer, you cand find them on Lambda Website.

Even if your TracePro® license is not currently under maintenance and support, in most cases it is still possible to get an installer for the release of TracePro® you are eligible for.

Currently, past installers are available for TracePro® 7.8.0 and newer.

Did you know TracePro® can model edge and aperture diffraction?

Edge and aperture diffraction occurs when light is partially blocked by an edge and is then bent or diffracted.

The method TracePro® uses for modeling diffraction is asymptotically correct, or, in other words, it is correct for large-angle or wide-angle diffraction.

TracePro® will not show diffraction rings in the Irradiance/Illuminance Maps, but the energy under the curve is correct. TracePro® can model diffraction from lenses and apertures.

When modeling diffraction by an aperture, a dummy object will need to be added to the aperture.

This edge and aperture diffraction capability is available in Standard and Expert Editions of TracePro®. 

Did you know TracePro® can use rayfiles to model light sources?

Rayfiles are an excellent choice for modeling light sources such as LEDs. Rayfiles are available from many LED suppliers. Typically, rayfiles can be downloaded from the LED manufacturer’s website.

Each ray in a rayfile can have a unique starting position, so rayfiles are 3 dimensional models of the output of the light source.

Rayfiles can be easily added to any TracePro® model as a File Source. You can define the starting position for the rays and the direction the rays will travel. File Sources can be moved, rotated, and copied, so creating arrays of File Sources is quick and easy in TracePro®.

There is no limit to the number of File Sources you can use in a TracePro® model. TracePro can import .txt, .dat, .src, and .ray rayfile formats, as well as the newer .tm25ray format. IES and LDT photometric datafiles are also a type of rayfile and can also be used in TracePro®. Please note that IES and LDT files do not contain position data for the rays, so they are point sources and not 3 dimensional sources.

Rayfiles can be used in all editions of TracePro®.

Did you know TracePro® can now model diffractive optical elements, also called DOEs? Diffractive optical elements (DOEs) use diffraction to bend light into multiple orders at precise angles. This allows for compact, lightweight, and innovative solutions to optical design challenges. DOEs can be used in illumination, lithography, biomedical imaging, and many other applications.

TracePro® Standard and Expert editions can now model diffractive optical elements.

Three new Surface Property types are available for modeling DOEs.

• Holographic Optical Element (HOE)
• Computer Generated Hologram (CGH)
• Zernike phase

The Computer-Generated Hologram surface can be Radially symmetric, Asymmetric x-y, or Asymmetric (absolute value). In addition, DOE designs created in OSLO can be opened in TracePro®.

Did you know TracePro®'s Source Builder simplifies custom source creation? With five options, users can swiftly generate custom sources. For instance:

• light source datasheets, like LED datasheets, can be utilized to create new Surface Source Properties with uniform or asymmetric beam patterns
• IES files can be transformed into File Sources and/or Surface Source Properties
• Image Files can be converted to File Sources positioned at the system's pupil
• Non-TracePro® format Rayfiles can be converted to TracePro format
• Additionally, point sources, rectangular sources, and circular sources are readily creatable

The Source Builder is accessible across all TracePro® editions.

Did you know that the Solar Emulator in TracePro® allows users to model the effect of sun tracking for solar collectors and concentrators?. Five options are available:

• None
• Aim to Sun
• Uni-axial
• Uni-axial & Aim to Sun
• A fixed focus with a reflector

The Aim to Sun option will rotate the collector to always face the sun. The Uni-axial option will rotate the collector around a fixed axis. The fixed focus with a reflector will rotate a reflector so that light always reflects from the reflector towards a fixed focal point, such as in a heliostat system.

The Solar Emulator is available in all versions of TracePro®.

Did you know TracePro® features an incredibly powerful Importance Sampling capability?

Importance Sampling is an extremely helpful and useful tool for stray light analysis, as well as many other optical design and analysis challenges.

An example would be off-axis light entering a telescope and scattering off an interior surface and towards the detector. This stray light can cause reduced performance and a degradation in the image produced.

With standard ray tracing methods low probability paths, such as scattered light, may be under sampled and it may be difficult to get accurate results efficiently.

Importance Sampling allows the user to improve the sampling by defining targets that the rays are biased or sampled towards. A key feature of Importance Sampling is that the correct flux is maintained, so even though more rays reach the target, the results are still accurate and can be trusted. Importance Sampling is also much more efficient than simply increasing the number of rays traced, so the task can be done more efficiently and more accurately. Importance Sampling can save you time and money.

Importance Sampling is available in the Standard and Expert editions of TracePro®.

Did you know TracePro® features a photorealistic rendering tool?

Photorealistic Rendering, also known as lit appearance modeling, allows users to see what a light guide, display, or luminaire will look like when it is illuminated. This illumination can be from internal and/or external light sources.

Users can define viewing orientation, quality level, and if external luminance sources will be used. External luminance can be used to see if a display can overcome ambient luminance. There is also an option to show Luminance Maps, so quantitative data is also available.

Photorealistic Rendering is available in all editions of TracePro®. In the TracePro® Standard and Expert editions, Photorealistic Rendering can be combined with Scheme macro programs to easily illustrate multiple viewing angles and/or motion.