Optical design and simulation

We model and analyze your optical system or measurement method: We design new optics according to the requirements or work with you to develop the necessary specifications with which we can then design and evaluate your system. We carry out design studies and feasibility analyses on optical issues; also in cooperation with subsequent image processing or measurement data evaluation. We use both sequential and non-sequential beam processing with OpticStudio.

• Modeling, simulation, optimization for imaging and non-imaging optical systems
• Integration of special optical elements
  (Vari-focus lenses, diffractive optical elements, aspheres, freeform optics, etc.)
• Modeling of hybrid optical systems
  (macro-, micro-, integrated optics and photonics)
• Interdisciplinary collaboration at the OST Campus Buchs with image processing, photonics simulation, metrology, optics laboratory

OPTIK DESIGN:

• Designstudien und Machbarkeitsanalysen zur Spezifikationsfindung
• Konzeption und Auslegung optischer Systeme
• Optimierung, Bewertung und Toleranzanalyse optischer Designs
• Auswahl optischer Komponenten

OPTISCHE SIMULATION und MODELLIERUNG:

• Beleuchtungssimulation und lichttechnische Berechnungen
• Simulation optischer Inspektions- und Messverfahren
• Physikalisch optische Simulation

• OpticStudio (ZEMAX)

Numerical methods and simulation techniques are playing an increasingly important role in the field of optics. We are particularly interested in the simulation of components in the field of fiber optics and integrated optics.

The RSoft Component Design Suite of Synopsys is a widely used simulation tool for designing photonic's components. In the course of a CTI-project (Commission for Technology and Innovation) the following tools have been acquired: 

• BeamPROP
• FullWAVE
• DiffractMOD
• Grating MOD
• FemSIM

BeamPROP is used for the modelling of single-mode waveguides or fibers. There are two methods available. The mode-solver allows to calculate the energy distribution along the waveguides cross section. The beam propagation method on the other hand can model the field distribution across the desired component. BeamPROP can solve 2D as well as 3D problem.

FullWAVE is based on the «Finite-Difference Time-Domain» method (FDTD) opens up a broad range of applications. The FDTD is even able to model the feedback of electromagnetic waves by solving the Maxwell equations. This is of particular interest in the field of surface plasmons and biophotonics.

DiffractMOD is based on the «Rigorous Coupled Wave Analysis» method (RCWA). It is of particular interest for diffractive structures like diffractive optical elements (DOEs) and waveguide resonators.

GratingMOD is based on the «Coupled Mode Theory» (CMT). It is mainly used to calculate and analyse Bragg gratings. Furthermore it is suitable for «long-period» gratings and the design of optical amplifiers.

FemSIM is used for the calculation of waveguide and resonator modes of any structures. It is based on the Finite Element Method (FEM).

Numerical methods and simulation techniques are also playing an increasingly important role in the field of optics. We are particularly interested in the simulation of components in the field of optical thin-film technology.

The calculation and modelling of reflective and transmissive properties of thin film systems are based on the Fresnel equations. With the use of matrix algorithms the spectral performance at various incident angles can be calculated. One can even determine the associated colour to the spectrum in the CIE colour space. The TFCalc software package is used to model of anti-reflective, mirror or filter coatings. For more complex tasks like optimization or the analysis of existing spectral curves we use the software package Filmstar by FTG.