LightTools-6.3 license

Optical Research Associates (ORA) has released LightTools 6.3, an updated version of the illumination design and analysis software, which delivers an expanded, more powerful tool set for optical system modelling and optimisation. The software features an alternate optimisation engine, which supplements the existing optimiser and enables users to successfully address a broader range of design problems. In addition, LightTools 6.3 permits optimisation with user-defined variables, merit functions and constraints, utilising either of the optimisation engines, to further expand the classes of systems for which the software can converge on an efficient solution.

LightTools 6.3 also adds functionality for LED modelling and simulation. An expanded LED library has been incorporated that contains mechanical models for hundreds of LEDs from all major manufacturers, including apodisation files that allow accurate far-field modelling of source output, as well as ray data files for both near-field and far-field output. Furthermore, LightTools ray data files now include colour information to model the spatial and angular output characteristics of the source as a function of colour.

Another significant feature of the software is an enhanced thin film modelling utility. This allows the user to enter a thin film coating and then simulate the performance of that coating on any substrate and under any conditions of use. Other new features include an IES file format import utility that reads and converts IES formatted angular intensity data files into LightTools angular apodisation files, and the ability to perform colorimetric analyses of spatial and angular luminance calculations.


greater than the number of merit function
components
– The merit function is relatively flat with many
local minima
LightTools 6.3 New Features Webinar, Slide 10

Alternate Engine User Interface

• Switching
between the
Standard and
Alternate engines
in done on the
Optimization>
Input screen

– Increment
adjustments ar
adjustments are
handled
automatically

LightTools 6.3 New Features Webinar, Slide 11

User Defined Optimization Element

• LightTools 6.3 introduces user-defined
optmization elements

– Variables, Merit Functions and Constraints

• User-defined elements allow users to
program their own dll to manipulate the
LightTools model or perform complex merit
function evaluations

– Dll can be written using Visual Basic or C++

– Allows users great flexibility in defining their
optimization problem

LightTools 6.3 New Features Webinar, Slide 12

Variable Boundaries


• Variable boundaries
can now be used as
physical limits

– Used when exceeding the variable bounds would cause the system to beunbuildable

– Prevents the optimizer from attempting trial solutions outside the declared boundaries

– Used only with the
Standard Engine

LightTools 6.3 New Features Webinar, Slide 13

• File System

LightTools 6.3 New Features Webinar, Slide 14

LED Library

• A new LED library has been added

• Over 400 LEDs included from major
manufacturers

– Cree; Lumileds; Nichia; and OSRAM

• LEDs can be imported as

– Mechanical Only, includes only the
mechanical structure

– Angular Apodization – includes a source with an angular apodization definition. Suitable for the far field

for the far field
– Ray Data Source – includes the mechanical
structure with a ray data source attached

The license file location has been moved from the installation folder to the Shared
Documents folder

• An installation program has been added that will copy the license.dat file to the
appropriate folder

– Access this program through the Start menu

– License file is shared between all users on the
same computer

File System

Overview

Changes/Vista®
Compatibility

Compatibility
• Optimization
• LED Library

• Ray Data Files

• Cylindrical Receivers

• Thin Film Utility

• Phosphor
Enhancements

Enhancements
• RGB Improvements

LightTools 6.3 New Features Webinar, Slide 2


Vista Compatibility

• LightTools 6.3 is now fully compatible with
Windows Vista

– With and without administrator privileges

• This required some changes to how
LightTools is installed
– Changes affect both Windows XP®and
Windows Vista®users