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I
Indy.MagnusMonochrome
asked in Got a question?
Fiber tilt plotting/tolerancing in single-mode fiber coupling using Physical Optics Propagation

Dear all, I would like to investigate the single-mode fiber coupling efficiency using Physical Optics Propagation in function of the fiber tilt angle. I would like to use the Universal Plot to see its sensitivity, and afterwards see its effect during a complete tolerance analysis together with other tolerances (both in the RSS estimate as well as in a Monte-Carlo simulation). However, it seems that either using a coordinate break before the fiber surface, or using the ‘Tilt’ surface as the final surface (as was done in the angled-fiber article but without using POP) does not affect the POP fiber coupling calculation. The ‘tilt about X/Y (deg)’, inside the POP ‘fiber data’ can of course be used to set the tilt, but this value can (as far as I’m aware) not be used for plotting or tolerancing. Is there some other way to easily plot and tolerance this fiber tilt when using POP, without having to use a custom macro or ZOS-API code? Thanks for any input, Best regards, Indy

40
I
Tom Pickering
Zemax Staff
Tom PickeringZemax Staff
posted in User News & Alerts
Customer Announcement: Help Files Shortcut Issue in Ansys Zemax OpticStudio 2025 R1

Dear OpticStudio Users, We’ve identified an issue in Ansys Zemax OpticStudio 2025 R1 when trying to open the Help Files, either when clicking on the toolbar icon or when hitting F1. Temporary Workarounds: Use the online Ansys Help for OpticStudio: OpticStudio Online Help , or Use the pdf version. We are actively working on a fix and will provide an update soon. Thank you for your patience and understanding. If you have questions, feel free to contact support or comment below. Best regards, Tom Pickering

36912
A
Ultraviolet
jsung
jsungVisible
asked in Got a question?
Scattering issue with Boolean object

I created a dome shell object by subtracting smaller sphere from bigger sphere and also removed the rear half with a big cylinder object. This is done with Boolean operation A-B-C (A: big sphere, B: smaller sphere, C: cylinder). Then I applied Gaussian surface scatter to both side surface (sig=0.25) to make some wide beam angle scatter like tis picture. But problem when the source is moved to Z=0 where the sphere half plane is, the scattering is gone. I guess this is caused by source being in the parent object region though parents are shifted away or disabled for ray trace. I tried moving source object below the Boolean object and entered boolean object number in “inside of” column, but that doesn’t make it work either. I had similar issue with Boolean before when I tried making TIR lens. It was found I should avoid putting the source at the boundary of original parent object or inside. But this scattering issue with Boolean seems like new to me. Any idea if this is a bug or there is

60
jsung
mocquin
mocquinVisible
asked in Got a question?
Grid of rays in Vignetting diagram

In the Vignetting diagram analysis, the doc states : “Ray Density The Ray Density specifies the number of rays to be traced. The more rays traced, the greater the accuracy, although the computation time increases. For a Ray Density of n, OpticStudio traces a grid of (2n+1) x (2n + 1) Rays at each Field Point. The Ray Density minimum value is 5.” It also mentions that “This feature is appropriate for rotationally symmetric lenses”. My qyestion then is how is the grid of rays generated with (2n+1)x(2x+1) rays on a circular pupil ? A square grid is generated, and the rays outside the inscribed circle are dropped before the ray tracing ? in other words, about (2n+1)*(2n+1)*pi/4 rays are actually used ?

60
mocquin
K
KarenMonochrome
posted in ZOS-API
Retrieving Vignetting Data from Vignetting Analysis via ZOS.API with Python

Dear all, in progress of fully automating my data export for my customized documentation, I am trying to access the data generated by the Zemax analysis windows by a standalone API application in python. While this works for most of the analysis, I am having trouble to get data from the vignetting window for further processing by using the GetResults() function. There is not data retrieved. Debugging shows, that there is indeed no data listed in the respective item. I double checked by exporting the data to a text file - this is also empty with respect to data. My Code therefore (simple example based on the available python api example 1) works as follows: vig = TheSystem.Analyses.New_Analysis(ZOSAPI.Analysis.AnalysisIDM.VignettingDiagramSettings) vig.WaitForCompletion() vig.ToFile(sampleDir + '\\API\\Python\\TextResults.txt') However, when I save the lens file, and reopen with a Zemax Instance, the vignetting window is displayed correctly and the text-form thereof shows data as it sho

1712
mocquin
Mojmir
MojmirSingle Emitter
asked in Got a question?
Simulation partially coherent laser source

Hello everyone, I need to define a partially coherent source in Zemax, which I then want to homogenize using a light rod. The source parameters are: • Size: 32 × 14 mm • Divergence: 4 × 1 mrad • Coherence length: 0.1 mm I need to homogenize the beam using a rod to achieve a final beam size of 100 × 10 mm. Is there a way to properly define such a partially coherent source in Zemax? What approach would you recommend for modeling the homogenization process? Thanks in advance for any insights!

100
Mojmir
CJ27
CJ27Visible
asked in Got a question?
Inverted single aspheric system performance

Hello there friends from the zemax community, I was wondering if someone could give me some guidance with a situation I have. I have a finite conjugate system which images a single on-axis point to another on axis point. To perform this on-axis imaging, I have optimized a single aspherical surface. In object space I have a point with a half angle of 30 degrees and on the image side the cone of incident angles is equal to 6 degrees (half divergence). This is how my current system looks like: From this you can see that the on-axis performance is diffraction limited in this configuraiton. Now, I am interested in evaluating the performance of this system but on the reverse direction, i.e, I flip the entire system. Now I have a point source with a cone divergence of 6 degrees. This is how the system looks like: Oection the performance is far from ideal. In my opinion this is because in the forward case, even though the imaging performance is diffraction limited, the rays in image space do n

141
CJ27
Diptayan
DiptayanSingle Emitter
asked in Got a question?
Getting the Ray Spot diagram/Seidel Aberrations from interferometer data

Hi Everyone, I am trying to get the seidel aberrations and ray spot diagram for a surface of which I have only the interferometric data (captured by a zygo white light interferometer and processed in their MX software). I think I have successfully imported the data from the interferometer’s software to Zemax as the peak to valley sort of matches. But I am seeing no difference in the ray spot size and seidel aberrations. I am uploading the link to the files as it is a big one (both Zemax and interferometric data). Kindly help me or suggest what the issue is. Zemax File Thank you.

401
Rishab
Toshihiro
ToshihiroInfrared
asked in 質問コーナー
スポットダイアグラム画像を保存できない。

Ansys Zemax OpticStudio 2025 R1.00に先日アップデートしたところ、スポットダイアグラムが保存できない現象が出ております。エラーメッセージの画像を添付いたします。改善方法をご教示いただけないでしょうか？以下がわかったことです。 この現象はファイル依存性はなく、ZOSを立ち上げた際の初期ファイル(LENS.zmx)でも起こっています。 この現象はPC再起動をしても、ソフトを再起動しても改善できませんでした。 この現象はスポットダイアグラムの画像保存時には起こりますが、3Dレイアウトの画像保存時には起こっていません。 以上、どうぞよろしくお願いいたします。

865
Ryosuke.Niitsu
Zemax Staff
ZemaxUser2020
ZemaxUser2020Single Emitter
asked in Got a question?
Question about double pass system in which mirror is tilted

Hi fellow Zemax-ers, I am looking to model an optical system in sequential mode with the following characteristics. I think this could be done pretty straightforwardly in non-sequential mode, but sequential would likely be more efficient. The optical system would have a series of elements after the object before hitting a 50:50 beamsplitter (and I am only concerned about the transmitted arm in this direction) After the beamsplitter, it would go through some series of lenses Then there would be a mirror that could be flat or curved that would reflect the light so that it would go back to the beamsplitter I would only care about the reflected arm after the beamsplitter After the beamsplitter it would go through another series of lenses before forming the image The challenge is I want to be able to tilt or decenter the flat/curved mirror (through different configurations) that reflects the light to form the double pass. I’ve looked at examples such as the 50:50 beamsplitter but that doesn

150
ZemaxUser2020
Allie
Zemax Staff
AllieZemax Staff
posted in User News & Alerts
The Zemax Community is moving - Phase 1

Hello fellow Zemax-ers! As we continue our integration efforts into Ansys systems, the Zemax Community is preparing to migrate into the Ansys Learning Forum (ALF), found within the Ansys Innovation Space (AIS). With the move happening soon, we are closing the Zemax Community to new registrations starting next week, March 24th. I will post more details about the migration of the forums soon, but in the meantime, please find some prepared FAQs below. Let me know if you have other questions! Why ALF? The platform is already the home of the Lumerical and Speos forums, so now all of Ansys Optics will be in the same place! Also, posts within the ALF space are parsed into AnsysGPT alongside knowledgebase articles and online tutorials, making it easier for you to find the answers to your questions all in one place! Who can sign up for ALF? Anyone! Unlike ACSS (discussed here), AIS has no restrictions on who can sign up. All you need is an email address, though we recommend using your work/univ

770
Allie
Zemax Staff
Donna.Waters
Ultraviolet
Donna.WatersUltraviolet
asked in Got a question?
Modeling an apodized aperture at a focus in sequential

Any thoughts as to how I can insert a radially-gradient neutral density filter at an intermediate focus? https://reynardcorp.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Reynard-Corp_Bullseye-Apodizing_Datasheet.pdf Ultimately, I’m trying generate PSFs that account for diffraction at the aperture. Thanks!

261
Donna.Waters
Ultraviolet
L
Luca.OggioniMonochrome
asked in ZOS-API
Error using ZOS-API in Matlab

My codes (that were working with the 2024 version) do not work anymore with the 2025 release.this is the error I get in the function “InitConnection()”: Message: Could not load file or assembly 'ZemaxEngine.dll' or one of its dependencies. The dynamic link library (DLL) initialization routine failed. (Exception from HRESULT: 0x8007045A)Source: mscorlibHelpLink: None

2139
bostanem
yfei
yfeiMonochrome
asked in Got a question?
Dichroic Mirror in NSC mode Ray Tracing

Hello, I have a question similar to post “dichroic mirror in NSC mode”. In that question, the supplied example is not in one single configuration, which the emitted light and the excitation light are seperated. I am having trouble simulating the same configuaration but with one dichroic mirror. I followed the example “How to model fluorescence using bulk scattering”, but the coating on the dichroic mirror does not seem to function on the back surface (Sample side, Green in the figure). Even if I put a reflective surface at the back surface, the incoming ray (black in the figure) from the source side will hit that surface and reflect away. How should I avoid this sitation? I would like to have the source sending ray transmitting through a 45 degree dichroic mirror, hitting the sample, reflect back to the other surface of the dichroic, and reflect to 90 degree respect to source (upward in the figure). Is that possible? It seems to be an easy task, but I don’t have a solution. Thank you f

523
David.Nguyen
Luminary
Kris
KrisInfrared
posted in Code Exchange
Matlab script to group rays from ZRD file to separate paths

This Matlab function imports a raw Zemax ray database stored in ZRD file, groups the rays into distinct paths based on i) the exact same sequence of objects hit AND ii) ray events (such as reflection, splitting etc.), and outputs this information in a form of graphs, human-readable variables and, most importantly, a summary table storing each path in descending total power, object sequence, total ray events and so on, which can be further processed either using Matlab's native capabilities, or exported and processed using Excel or a simple text editor. It DOES NOT need Zemax to be installed onto your system and does not use any API to connect to it. It is a completely standalone function. The need for this custom function came clear during one project at work as the native Zemax ray paths tool was insufficient. As per official documentation, it now groups it based on the sequence of FACES the rays hit.In contrast, this function retains a full low-level list of objects and events. It al

48417
Kris
Daniel Stephan
Daniel StephanSingle Emitter
asked in Got a question?
Circle of tilted rectangles

In non-sequential mode, I’ve created a circle of rectangles arranged around a light source (not shown). I’ve used the Paramter “Tilt About Y” to orient the rectangles’ faces toward the center. Now, I’m trying to tilt the rectangles 10° toward the central axis, but I’ve only been able to achieve this for objects #4 (highlighted) and #10. When I attempt to tilt the other rectangles forward, e.g. object #1 (centered in the screenshot), all I can accomplish is to rotate the rectangles clockwise or counterclockwise. Changing the values in “Tilt About X” and “Tilt About Z” seems to have the same effect. How can I make all the rectangles tilt towards the center, just like #4 and #10?

502
Daniel Stephan
Alberto.Donazzan
Ultraviolet
Alberto.DonazzanUltraviolet
asked in Got a question?
A trivial issue: Solve column label not visible when selected

As per title, when selecting a specific row in the LDE the Solve column label is not visible (black on black instead of white on black). I am using release 2025R1.

322
Sven.Stöttinger
HCY
HCYMonochrome
asked in Got a question?
Blanking out LDE parameters in a UDS

In some surface types (e.g. ABCD or Conjugate), the standard parameters (e.g. Radius and Conic) are ‘blanked out’. A value entered into those cells is instantly erased returning the cell to blank. Can this behaviour be programmed in a UDS? CY

280
HCY
HM Light
HM LightSingle Emitter
asked in ZPL
Why does my macro output results from 1 previous macro run?

I have a question about Zemax Macro. My macro outputs the results from 1 previous macro setting, even though I edit and save the new setting in the macro every time. I put the screenshot that explain this problem. I have no idea why it happens, so I would like to have any suggestion and comments.

302
HM Light
John.Hygelund
Fully Spectral
John.HygelundFully Spectral
posted in Got a question?
Feature request: add coating name to ray database viewer

I would find it very helpful if the face coating could be added as an option in the ray database viewer.Also, calculating the relative intensity from the prior surface is quite handy. An example made in excel is shown below. Thanks for considering! -John

120
John.Hygelund
Fully Spectral
KBL
KBLSingle Emitter
asked in ZOS-API
ZOS-API, Python Image simulation. No output

Hey, I’m very naïve to Zemax and ZOS-API. I just tried to find the setting and run the code, but I couldn’t see the results from the image simulation. I used the standalone application and here is my code. # load local variables ZOSAPI = zos.ZOSAPI TheApplication = zos.TheApplication TheSystem = zos.TheSystem # Insert Code Here file = "C:/2021/Zemax_Image_Simulation/test.zmx" cfg = "C:/2021/Zemax_Image_Simulation/test.CFG" TheSystem.LoadFile(file, False) TheImageSimulation = TheSystem.Analyses.New_ImageSimulation() analysisSettings = TheImageSimulation.GetSettings() analysisSettings.ModifySettings(cfg, 'ISM_INPUTFILE', "Text_100p_3x3_2_g1196x1279_dist.png") analysisSettings.ModifySettings(cfg, 'ISM_FIELDHEIGHT', '15') analysisSettings.ModifySettings(cfg, 'ISM_FLIPIMAGE', '3') analysisSettings.ModifySettings(cfg, 'ISM_OUTPUTFILE', 'Test1.png') analysisSettings.LoadFrom(cfg) a = TheImageSimulation.ApplyAndWaitForCompletion() b = TheImageSimulation.GetResults() after running the code, the

1372
L
Athul
AthulMonochrome
asked in Got a question?
How to bring Feld curvature to zero for a 4f setup.

In my optical setup, I have a standard 4f setup with plano-convex lenses with focal lenght of 300mm . After focusing it, I found out that i have a huge field curvature. To reduce this i designed a setup with two sets of planocovex lenses with focal lenght of 600mm (to have almost the same propagation lenght of 1200mm) thereby reducing the petzval field curvature. Eventhough the field curvature was reduced by a factor of 3, the field curvature is still signinfiact. The 3rd approach was to design custom lenses. I was working with 2 pair of lenses and was using REAR and FCUR to reduce the field curvature. When i look into the seidel graph there is no field curvature. But when i focus it using a paraxial lens, i can see there is noticable field curvature. Is there any was to reduce this further atleast lower than the half of the rayleigh length.

180
Athul
JSavastinuk
JSavastinukSingle Emitter
asked in ZPL
Doesag vs phases macro zones are different

I have run both the “phases” macro to locate where the steps are for a binary 2 on an aspheric surface and the “DoeSag” macro. However, I get different results as the radius increases. Sometimes, the number of zones ends up different. Which one is correct? I’ve used the “phases” macro for a long time without much issue. Recently, we have had requests for the sag tables on a binary, but I’m not sure I can trust the DoeSag results as the number of zones and zone locations do not match.

201
C
Fully Spectral
B
Bianca.RöhrSingle Emitter
asked in Got a question?
Understanding the Method behind Huygens PSF

Hello everyone, I'm interested in finding out more details on the Huygens PSF method. The OpticStudio Help claims that 'a grid of rays is launched through the optical system'. Here I would like to know, what algorithm is used for the actual propagation. How are the abberations of all optical components accounted for? Are they propagated as rays, by paraxial propagation or by actually using Huygens formula? It would be very helpful if anybody could clarify this detail. Thanks a lot in advance, best wishes

218714
G
B
Begad.ElmelligyInfrared
asked in ZOS-API
ZOSAPI Python LSP

Hi, I started working with ZOSAPI in Python. I am aware that since I am using clr.AddReference(<Module>) that means that they are dynamically being imported but is there a way to achieve autocomplete and error checking?

451
B

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