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JenR
JenRMonochrome
asked in ZPL
How can you write slope cross-section analysis text results to a file?

Hi,I would like to write a macro that runs the surface slope analysis and outputs the “Text” tab results (X-Coord, Y-Coord, and Slope) to a file. I was thinking of using GetTextFile, but I don’t see a string code for surface slope cross section (or slope either). What’s the best way to do this?Thank you,-Jen

445
David.Nguyen
Luminary
31 minutes ago
Rizwan
RizwanSingle Emitter
asked in ZOS-API
Why aren't C# ZOS-API updating their dlls to be compatible with all target frameworks?

Recently I am developing an internal software by using c# ZOS-API dll. I have chosen .Net 8.0 for my application. After adding the refrences of ZOS-API, it gives me error due to incompatibility of frameworks. ZOS-API has been developed by using .Net framework v4.6.2. If I build my assembly with net framework 4.8, it works fine, but not supports in net 8.0. Why aren't they developing dlls with Microsoft .Net (support cross platform) instead of .Net framework? I have also seen that the headless remoting connection is taking long time. Why aren't they using modern remote procedure framework like gRPC?

211
David.Nguyen
Luminary
5 hours ago
jsung
jsungInfrared
asked in Got a question?
How do I know total number of rays in the new ray file?

As per title. I’m not sure if this was asked and answered before.Is there easy way to figure out total ray numbers of the ray file before tracing it?

535
jsung
21 hours ago
Jiawei LIU
Jiawei LIUSingle Emitter
asked in Got a question?
Can grid sag surfaces be used on object surfaces(surface 0)?

I tried to change the object surface type to grid sag surface and imported the grid surface data, but the surface sag map did not change. When I imported the grid sag data to any other surface, it was displayed normally, so I am a little doubtful whether grid sag surfaces can be used on object surface(surface 0)? If not, is there any other way? I want to analyze the imaging results of a complex target surface after passing through a certain optical system. Can adding a grid phase surface after the object surface achieve my goal? if yes, How to convert the grid sag surface into the required grid phase surface?

281
David.Nguyen
Luminary
1 day ago
Kris
KrisMonochrome
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. It 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 is simply not sufficient. For instance, ray grouping criteria is not clearly specified, also, the explicit sequence of objects is lost (if a ray enters the lens, is backreflected and leaves the lens t

2363
E
Zemax Staff
2 days ago
jesusmunozjmj
jesusmunozjmjSingle Emitter
asked in Got a question?
Array type on sources (NSC)

Hi, I am using Non-Sequential mode in OpticStudio, and I am trying to create a square source from a rectangular array. The problem is that the source only traces rays to a single quadrant of the optical system. I would like to create a square source without having to create four separate sources in each quadrant. Thank you in advance! Best regards,Jesús 

353
jesusmunozjmj
2 days ago
Frantisek
FrantisekSingle Emitter
asked in Got a question?
Collimating beams with lightpath lenses

I would like to ask you to help with one Zemax file.I use one Lightpath aspheric lens to collimate beam in 30 mm distance.In POP there is some Newtons circles as picture of irradianceIn don’t know, why there is no standard Gaussian distribution of beam. It is looks like some interference of sources……Is it possible, that in lens model is EVEN ASPHERE used ?Or there is some bad settings somewhere ?POP picture, setting and lens data of the lens are in files.Thanks for any answerBest RegardsFrantisek

501
Egis
3 days ago
S
Sasha.BrodskyMonochrome
asked in Got a question?
Spot efficiency for laser and focusing objective blackbox

I designed a custom objective for a laser system, and I want to compare the efficiency (including aperture clipping), and peak intensity with a catalogue objective, whose Blackbox I have.I found that Huygens PSF gives spot quality without considering efficiency, and the geometrical analysis method GIA shows efficiency but not the realistic spot size and peak intensity.Is there a standard practice for comparisons like these?Thanks in advance. 

581
S
Ansys Staff
3 days ago
Rahul
RahulSingle Emitter
asked in ZOS-API
Uploading multiple merit function via loop in MATLABStandaloneApplication code

Hello, I am working on designing lenses (Intraocular lens) of a power range and each power has unique merit function. I could manage to load merit function using the command below - TheMFE = TheSystem.MFE;mf3_filename = System.String.Concat(sampleDir,'\API\Matlab\MeritFunc\10.0D MF.MF');TheMFE.LoadMeritFunction(mf3_filename); In the same location I have merit functions for different power lenses. Can anyone suggest me a way how can I successfully load power specific merit function?Thanks in advance! Regards,Rahul

441
L
7 days ago
rayTracer
rayTracerSingle Emitter
asked in Got a question?
What is the equivalent non sequential object type for sequential extended toroidal grating surface

Hello Zemax Community,I've modeled a freeform lens in sequential mode using the Extended Toroidal Grating Surface Type in Zemax. I defined my lens with parameters for Radius, Conic Constant, and Extended Polynomial Terms. Since the lens is an astigmatic component, it has curvature along the Y-axis while remaining flat along the X-axis, which is why I selected the extended toroidal grating surface.When I converted the sequential model to a non-sequential model using Zemax’s “Convert to NSC Group” feature, the lens appeared as a combination of Standard Surface, Grid Sag Surface, and Compound Lens. However, the performance doesn’t match my original sequential model, and I suspect the conversion process may not have fully captured the lens design.My question is:Is there an object type in NSC mode that allows me to manually enter my Radius, Conic Constant, and Extended Polynomial Terms to recreate the lens accurately? Are there recommended steps for converting this type of lens from Sequent

170
rayTracer
7 days ago
Tiago117
Tiago117Infrared
asked in Got a question?
Fidelity of aspherical lens export to .dxf

I read this article (How accurate is the CAD exchange? – Knowledgebase) and I am wondering how it applies to the 3D .dxf export.I intend to use this exported polygon in a silicon fabrication process called greyscale lithography. And now I am wondering how realistic this polygon is. I have an aspherical lens with its 4th, 6th and 8th order coefficients optimized.I'm not expecting a perfect translation as the greyscale process itself isn't perfect (and transforms this continuous shape in steps). But using as many segments the software allows (128), would you say this export is aspherical "enough"? As in, while it may not be as perfect as the modelling Zemax uses, it is still, nonetheless, an aspherical surface, similar to the one I optimized?My exported aspherical lens with 128 segments.Thank you!

170
Tiago117
8 days ago
Michael Cheng
Zemax Staff
Michael ChengZemax Staff
published in Code Exchange
Python Reading Writing Binary Files (ZRD, ZBF, DAT, SDF)

The download contains 3 Python scripts:a script to read / parse a ZRD (Zemax Ray Database) file a script to read / parse a Binary ZBF (Zemax Beam File) file a script to read / parse a Binary DAT / SDF Source File  Click here to download Date Version OpticStudio Version Comment 2022/01/01 1.0 - Creation

189816
Kris
8 days ago
chumphreys
chumphreysMonochrome
asked in Got a question?
Modeling a conical spatial filter in non-sequential

 I am looking to model a conical spatial filter and I am trying to figure out the best way to do this. I started with a non-sequential model and an absorbing annular volume as the spatial filter. I am specifically trying to look at the spatial frequencies being clipped by the spatial filter, the output beam profile, and how the roughness of the surface of the spatial filter can impact the output beam. I am using the detector viewers to look at the output beam but is there a way to quantify these results. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. 

502
chumphreys
8 days ago
pepe
pepeMonochrome
asked in Got a question?
Spot size inconsistencies between the designs with the same lens

Hello,I created an optical system using Thorlabs collimator  RC08FC-P01 (90 degree reflective mirror) and AL2550M  lens. The Zemax files were obtained from Thorlabs site and modified to fit my needs.If I only use a lens as designed by Zemax engineers, the spot size for 405 nm is 0,15 microns, but if I use a collimator and then put the lens in the beam path, the spot size for the same wavelength is much larger at 55 microns.Is this due to design of collimator, software artefact or something else? I attached .zmx files of the lens and collimator+lens designs.

733
David.Nguyen
Luminary
9 days ago
Hossein
HosseinSingle Emitter
asked in ZPL
How to write a Macro to scan in XY and get efficiency

Hi everyone,I am new here and trying to write a macro for a simple setup that I have. I have a beam at source with specific NA and goes through few optics and get focused on a surface with floating aperture. My inputs are relative position of source/object respect to image in X and Y and output is efficiency at “Geometric Image Analysis”. How can I write such a Macro? 

260
Hossein
9 days ago
E
Zemax Staff
Erin.ElliottZemax Staff
posted in STAR Module User Group
Rigid-body motions (RBMs) in STAR, Part 2: A simple singlet

In the attached file, we’ve created a simple singlet with (artificial) deformation FEA data for the front and back of the lens.  The FEA data includes a decenter of Y = 1 mm and a tilt about X of 3° for the lens as a whole.  Also, the higher-order deformations on the front of the lens convert the spherical front surface to an asphere,  to correct the spherical aberration in the system.  (Warning: It is not usually the case that deformations on an optic make the performance better!)The singlet is shown below, and the FEA deformation data is displayed using the Multiphysics Data Viewer in STAR.A singlet lens, and artificial FEA data that introduces a Y decenter of 1 mm and a Tilt About X of 3 degrees.Next, we use the Multiphysics Data Loader to check that the FEA data is aligned to the front and back surfaces of the lens, and proceed to fit and load the deformations onto the lens surfaces.Applying the FEA data to the singlet using the Multiphysics Data Loader.After fitting, the Structura

1619
Chris Normanshire
Zemax Staff
10 days ago
whit2452
whit2452Monochrome
asked in Got a question?
How to model interference pattern from diffraction grating

I have a simple system of a laser, pinhole slit, and diffraction grating and having trouble mapping the expected diffraction pattern. I have performed this experiment in real life, and can see the spots align 16 mm apart vertically after exiting the diffraction grating.  I have moved my system to non sequential mode and ray traced, but the detector viewer continues to show one giant spot. Can someone please help me better understand what could be the issue here? I am using scattering surfaces. 

230
whit2452
10 days ago
mlunin
mluninMonochrome
asked in ZOS-API
Is there a way to extract information about ray path through a GRIN optic (sequential mode) via ZOS-API?

Title. I can easily get the entry/exit points into a GRIN lens via tracing rays to a surface using SingleRayNormUnpol() and BatchRayTrace.However, this only gives me the entry/exit points into a surface. Is there a way to get information out about the beam path within a GRIN optic via ZOS-API?As an additional note, the GRIN optic is modelled via a custom *.dll extension I developed (not a ZEMAX Gradient 1-12 surface).My alternative is to write my own GRIN raytracer for the intermediate steps.

504
mlunin
10 days ago
Leon
LeonMonochrome
asked in Got a question?
I am confused about scattering power

Assume 5 extreme cases:1  If a surface is transparent with Scatter Fraction 1 , how much power is scattered? 2  If a surface has 0.5 reflectance with Scatter Fraction 1 , how much power is scattered and spcular reflected?3  If a surface has 0.5 reflectance with Scatter Fraction 0.5, how much power is scattered and specular reflected?4  If a surface has 1 reflectance with Scatter Fraction 1 , how much power is scattered and specular reflected?5  If a surface has 1 reflectance with Scatter Fraction 0.5, how much power is scattered and specular reflected?

612
Leon
11 days ago
R
Renaud.LigotInfrared
posted in Got a question?
ISO drawing edge thickness

Hi In addition to my previous post (“units in the new ISO element drawing”) I would like to point out that the edge thickness annotation that has been added to the ISO drawing in the last update Zemax OS is not always correctly calculated! See example below where the edge thickness is clearly not the sum of the central thickness and the sag of the surfaces (by the way, the SAG are also not correct) . Moreover the number of decimals is a bit exaggerated in my opinion.I think having edge thickness and total thickness of the lens indicated is a real plus (if correctly calculated 😏) but then it would be interesting to be able adding the tolerance on those values.   

431
David.Nguyen
Luminary
14 days ago
光
光儒.王Single Emitter
asked in Got a question?
Why MCSD affect the thermal analysis result?

When i make Thermal to analysis the optical performance (MTF..), the value of MCSD will affect the results.When i set the MCSD>SDIA, the thickness value of air gap will be different.Do you know how the MCSD affect the calculation of air gap thickness?

281
MichaelH
Luminary
15 days ago
Tdsorens
TdsorensSingle Emitter
asked in Got a question?
Tracing an EXPLICIT ray in Sequential Mode

Is there a way to trace an Explicit ray (defined by x, y, z, l, m, n) instead of an Implicit Ray (defined by Hx, Hy, Px, and Py) in the Single Ray Trace Analysis or Merit Function?I am trying to trace a ray from Surface 1 with (0,0,0) coordinates and direction cosines (0,0,1) through a system with tilted and decentered mirrors making it such that the ray will not pass through the center of the pupil therefore making the implicit method ineffective.

512
MichaelH
Luminary
15 days ago
SPJensen
SPJensenSingle Emitter
asked in Got a question?
Phase Errors Reconstructing .ZBF Text File

I used Matlab to write a .ZBF text file for POP.  When Zemax reads the file in the irradiance is perfectly replicated but the phase is not; when non-zero the phase looks like random noise. This is very strange because you need to write the .ZBF file using Re and Im values for the field. Unless the Re and Im values are both correct in the file you can’t get the correct irradiance values. I have done this before and it worked so I had a friend with an older version of Zemax installed (22.1.2) check the same file. His version of Zemax correctly replicated the phase. I am using version 2023 R1.03 on a windows machine. Any ideas as to why this is happening? Did the .ZBF format change? Is there now a setting I need to adjust in Zemax when I import a file? Is this a known problem that has been fixed in an update? Matlab intensity:Zemax IntensityMatlab PhaseMy Zemax Phase:Old Zemax Phase: 

281
SPJensen
15 days ago
cmanoopckr
cmanoopckrSingle Emitter
asked in Code Exchange
Obtaining a tight focus of laser beam after a multimode fiber

Hello guys, I have a multimode fiber of 1mm core (1000 um) of 0.22 NA. I will be using this fiber to deliver my laser beam of wavelength either 450 nm or 530 nm. The beam after the fiber will be collimated and then will be refocused. The final goal to have a spot size of 50 - 60 um at the focus. I am beginer in zemax and any help would be appreciated. If any of you had done similar project in the past it would be helpful if you could share the file and i could use it as starting point. Thanks a lot.

452
cmanoopckr
15 days ago
pepe
pepeMonochrome
asked in Got a question?
TIR (total internal reflection) error during the lens optimization popping up

Hello, I use OpticStudio 15.5 SP3 and I have an issue with optimizing the design consisting of “of the shelf” components by Thorlabs, reflective collimator, and objective lens. I want to obtain the image in focus, but I get the error stating: Error in target 5. TIR at surface 7!Possible reason for this behaviour is negative thicknesses: 1. in collimator in order to get the rays reflecting of the mirror, and 2. in lens in order to make the rays go through the lens. If I change the thickness following the reflective collimator to positive (-100 to 100) then the rays reflect inwards. If I change the thicknesses of lens and air after lens from negative to positive, the rays are reflected from back surface of the lens. How do I run optimization without error?  

442
pepe
15 days ago

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