Cloud native EDA tools & pre-optimized hardware platforms
We are pleased to announce that LightTools 8.7 RC is now available. This release features the following major enhancements, along with other improvements:
The LightTools 8.7 RC is a fully tested early version that we are making available to customers who would like to begin using its new capabilities now. If you encounter any issues with this release candidate, we encourage you to report them to lighttools_support@synopsys.com. Critical issues discovered during the release candidate period will be addressed in the final version of LightTools 8.7, scheduled to be released in a few months.
Obtaining LightTools 8.7 RC Software
To obtain the LightTools 8.7 RC software, contact lighttools_support@synopsys.com.
Obtaining LightTools 8.7 RC License Files
Your LightTools 8.6.0 license file is valid to use for the LightTools 8.7 RC. If you do not have a LightTools 8.6.0 license file, you can obtain one from the Synopsys SolvNet site at https://solvnet.synopsys.com. For details about how to download a LightTools license file from SolvNet, see the Obtaining CODE V and LightTools Software and License Keys video from the Customer Support Portal.
Enhanced Modeling and Simulation for Reducing Stray Light in Optical Systems
This version of LightTools improves functionality for the analysis and reduction of stray light in optical systems, including new scattering models for highly specular surfaces and the addition of an independent specular component to separate imaging and stray light flux.
Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope design showing stray light paths in LightTools 8.7 RC
New Analysis Features for Faster Adjustment of Source Power in Lighting Systems
A new feature added for receivers enables you to adjust scale factors on sources in the model, scaling the results on the receiver as if the source power had been adjusted accordingly. This allows you to scale the source power at the receiver level without rerunning a simulation. The options for this feature are on a new Source Scaling tab in the receiver's Properties dialog box.
Improved Design Features for Freeform Optical Systems
The following enhancements were made to the Freeform Design Features, which are available in the Advanced Design Module:
Ray Fan Before Distortion Correction
Ray Fan After Distortion Correction
Improved Analysis Features for Biomedical Optics and Horticultural Lighting
Improved capabilities for defining the scattering interaction distance has been added to the Henyey-Greenstein, Gegenbauer, and User-Defined Volume scattering particles. In addition to the Mean Free Path (MFP) definition available in previous releases, it is now possible to define the scattering distance using the Scattering Coefficient and Reduced Scattering Coefficient definitions, which are commonly used in industries such as Biomedical Optics. Data can be added and easily converted between the three definitions in a wavelength-dependent grid in LightTools. The Scattering Coefficient and Reduced Scattering Coefficient are related to the Mean Free Path by:
Scattering Coefficient (μs) = 1/MFP
Reduced Scattering Coefficient (μs’) = (1-g1)/MFP where g1 is the anisotropy factor of the particle phase function.
You can now evaluate your optical system performance in units of photon flux, which is a typical unit for horticultural lighting design and has been used in some quantum systems.
Usability Enhancements
Enhancements and Updates to LightTools Libraries
Improvements were made to the Light Guide Designer, Street Lighting utility, Parameter Analyzer, Backlight Pattern Optimization (BPO) utility, Backlight utility, Thin Film utility, Ray Data Plotter, and Volume Scatter Logger.
Updates were made to the Example Model Library, the Materials Library, and the Optical Properties Library.
For additional details about the content of the LightTools 8.7 RC, see the LightTools 8.7 RC Release Notes. To see all the new feature videos for this release, visit the Customer Support Portal. If you have any questions about features in this release, please contact lighttools_support@synopsys.com.
The latest Synopsys measured BSDF library is available on the OSG Customer Support Portal.
In addition to the updates included in this release, the Customer Support Portal has new or updated files, such as Mold-Tech textures that have been aluminized and topcoated by Vergason Technology, Inc.
The following BSDF data have been added or updated:
From December 24, 2018 to January 1, 2019, please allow for a delayed response to your request for LightTools technical support. Our technical support will be very limited during this time and will be available only by e-mail.
We will resume business as usual and respond to product support and general inquiries on January 2, 2019. You can contact us via e-mail at lighttools_support@synopsys.com.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
In countries where we have international representatives, you can contact the distributors directly. Please see our list of global contacts on our website.
Students are invited to enter an optical design class assignment or thesis work completed during the 2018-2019 academic year using LightTools. Entries are due June 14, 2019. Awards totalling $10,000 will be granted. Enter your project today!
For the latest event calendar, please go to our Events page.