Presentation of the first PLM integrated optical simulation software for the design and engineering of optical systems

Abstract

The Computer Aided Design, Manufacturing and Engineering world has gradually welcomed simulation tools enabling the modeling of machining, thermal effects, mechanical, dynamic-motion, vibration and acoustic phenomena... but not optical simulation which has evolved independently from the CAD environment. The innovation presented here with <b>SPEOS CAA V5 Based </b>software integrated in CATIA and ENOVIA DMU V5 software from Dassault Systèmes, the premier global PLM solutions provider, is the first optical simulation solution connecting optics to the CAD/CAM/CAE world, and directly impacts and improve the optical design analysis and process. The optical properties are added directly within the software, sharing the same data for mechanical and optical analysis and thus avoiding all the transfer errors. This new approach improves the quality process and allows unlimited detailed mechanical parts used to be used for the simulation. All the geometric transformations and optical properties modifications are done interactively, helping the user to understand the way the photons are propagated in the whole system. New functions available in CATIA/ENOVIA V5 are light emission simulation, light/surface interaction and scattering, light/matter propagation producing optical performance, photometric measurements and stray light analysis. The early integration of optical performances means that a solution can be found faster that will globally fit to all the specifications. This new technology is opening new links with stress effects, thermal effects, mobile and motorized systems, ... during the design of an optical system, giving the ability to evaluate optical performance of any adaptive, opto-mechanical system, projection and display system under virtual environmental conditions (heat, stress,...) that will affect the optical performance.