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Useful Optics Tools

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Explore resources and tools available to IOS members, including software access, calculators, and references to support optics research.

Keysight Optical Solutions (formerly Synopsys)

[Learn more about Keysight Optical Solutions]

IOS members and their students may request access to the Keysight University Bundles for research use. Access is subject to mentor eligibility and reporting requirements (see below).

Available Software

OSG University Bundle

  • CODE V – Optical design software for high-precision imaging systems.
  • LucidShape & LucidDrive – Automotive lighting design, visualization, and virtual prototyping.
  • SmartStart Library – Library of pre-defined automotive lighting components.
  • LightTools modules, including:
    • Core
    • Illumination
    • Optimization
    • Advanced Physics
    • Imaging Path
    • Advanced Design
    • STEP/IGES/SAT Data Exchange

RSoft Device University Bundle

  • BeamPROP BPM – Beam propagation method simulator.
  • FullWAVE FDTD – Finite-difference time-domain simulator.
  • BandSOLVE – Photonic band structure solver.
  • ModePROP – Mode-based propagation simulator.
  • DiffractMOD RCWA – Rigorous coupled-wave analysis tool.
  • GratingMOD – Grating design and simulation.
  • FemSIM FEM – Finite element method solver.
  • MOST – Multi-variable optimization tool.
  • Solar Cell Utility – Simulation for photovoltaic devices.
  • Multi-Physics Utility – Coupled physics simulations.
  • LED Utility – Light-emitting diode design.
  • MetaOptic Designer – Design and simulation of meta-optics.

Access Requirements

Requests will be received from IOS members and must include:

  • The machine ID to enable access to the software license server.
  • A secondary contact name and email, if applicable (e.g., a student or collaborator).

Approved users will be asked periodically to provide information about the research conducted using the software.

For access, please contact Matt Boersma and Jessi Foley (Middleton). Installation instructions will be provided once approval is granted.

 

License Terms

  • Keysight has graciously donated these optical simulation tools to the university. The software may be used by IOS-member Ohio State faculty and currently enrolled university students.
  • Software use must be non-commercial in nature and adhere to the terms and conditions of the license agreement.
  • The software is provided as a 40-seat Floating/Network license, enabling campus-wide access for enhanced collaboration and teaching.
  • Licenses must be used for academic research only, with results published in peer-reviewed academic journals.
  • Licenses cannot be used for commercial purposes.

Light Conversion Optics Toolbox

[Open Light Conversion Optics Toolbox]

The Light Conversion Optics Toolbox provides free online calculators and reference tools to support experiment planning and analysis in optics. Categories include:

  • Converters – unit conversion, bandwidth, and pulse length tools
  • Nonlinear optics – phase matching, sum frequency generation, B-integral
  • Refraction – refractive index, prism refraction, lens radius
  • Reflection & diffraction – Fresnel reflection, diffraction angles, grating calculator
  • Dispersion calculators – prism and grating compressors, pulse elongation
  • Beam properties – intensity, fluence, displacement, Gaussian beam propagation
  • Other tools – optical table planner, tuning curves, laser harmonic generation charts

MEEP

[Download or learn more about MEEP]

Meep is a free, open-source software package for simulating electromagnetic systems using the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method.
It supports a broad range of applications, from photonic crystals to waveguides and resonators.

Key features:

  • Free and open-source under the GNU GPL
  • Complete scriptability via Python, Scheme, or C++ APIs
  • Simulation in 1D, 2D, 3D, and cylindrical coordinates
  • Parallel computing with MPI on Linux, macOS, and FreeBSD
  • Library of material types, including dispersive and nonlinear media
  • Built-in analysis tools for spectra, resonant modes, field patterns, and scattering
  • Visualization routines for geometries, fields, and results

SNLO

[Get SNLO software and resources]

SNLO is widely-used, free software developed by Dr. Arlee Smith for modeling nonlinear optical processes.
It runs natively on Windows and includes data for over 50 nonlinear crystals.

Highlights:

  • Tools to assist with crystal selection and performance modeling
  • Examples and exercises available in Crystal Nonlinear Optics: with SNLO Examples (2nd ed.)
  • Expanded resources, including help documentation, introduction notes, and a bibliography covering 150+ crystals and 1000+ papers
  • Current version: 80 (January 22, 2025)
IOS Tip Sheet

Tip Sheet for IOS Members

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