Software Releases

CODE V SagFit Utility

CODE V 2023.03

CODE V version 2023.03 contains many features designed to help increase your workflow efficiency, from surface input to design export. It includes the SagFit utility, which converts and fits surfaces more quickly and intuitively than ever before. It provides better optimization assistance and increases modeling design speed. It also includes enhanced interoperability with LightTools once the design is complete. It even includes examples that demonstrate how to work with CODE V.

The following is a quick listing of the new feature set.

  • New CODE V Example Model Library contains sample optical models with instructions that step you through a problem and solution in the CODE V GUI using main features, like Automatic Design 
  • New SagFit Utility can convert measured surface data into native CODE V surface types and convert between CODE V surface types that do not have a built-in conversion capability
  • New HTML-based help system provides easy access to all the information available in the CODE V Reference Manuals
  • Improved data exchange with LightTools: adds support for encrypted multilayer file (.MLE) so that that overall thickness of coatings appears in LightTools Thin Film Stack but proprietary data remain hidden; hole apertures in CODE V are represented in the LightTools design as holes on the lens surface and can be manipulated in 3D Design view or the System Navigator
  • A beta version of an updated Step Optimization Algorithm has been included that, in some cases, can lead to better convergence in fewer cycles. Send an email to codev_support@synopsys.com if you are interested in trying this feature.
  • New List Constraint Data macro allows you to print and sort the active or weighted constraint data generated using Automatic Design (AUT) to better see the relative effects of active and weighted constraints
  • New plotting macros (curvatureplot.seq, sagplot.seq, and sag_difference.seq) allow you to generate and plot data only over the defined aperture region
  • Glass catalog and Macro-PLUS updates

For details about these and many other enhancements in this release, see the CODE V Release Notes on SolvNetPlus.

If you have any questions about features in this release, please contact codev_support@synopsys.com


LightTools Linked Receiver Filter | Synopsys

LightTools 2023.03

LightTools version 2023.03 helps you achieve high-performance illumination designs more efficiently with enhanced geometry import and creation features, improved 3D viewing to visually explore model details, as well as many other usability updates to facilitate more efficient design workflows. Improvements to coherence and polarization simulations enable more accurate light source behavior modeling for AR/VR and microLED designs.

Key improvements include:

  • For imported surfaces, the ability to convert surface geometry to parameterized freeform lens surfaces and to combine periodic surfaces in LightTools that were split during CAD export
  • Section views that provide cut planes that you can position to show the internal details of a model
  • Option to undo and redo to a specific point
  • A new, browser-based Help system
  • The ability to add holes to lens surfaces and lens elements, which provides a useful new modeling option and supports additional interoperability with CODE V
  • Options for conic surfaces that enable you to specify the desired surface performance and have the parameters calculated

For details about these and many other enhancements in this release, see the LightTools Release Notes on SolvNetPlus.

If you have any questions about features in this release, please contact lighttools_support@synopsys.com


LucidDrive version 2023.03 | Synopsys

LucidDrive 2023.03

LucidDrive version 2023.03 provides new features to improve your analysis of headlamp designs in driving scenarios. Key improvements include the ability to measure illumination and glare while the test vehicle drives through a traffic scenario.

Key improvements include:

  • The ability to add sensors to your LucidDrive environment. You can now measure illumination and glare while the test vehicle drives through a traffic scenario
  • Record sensor data to CSV log files for further analysis, including the ability to configure the sensor to take readings at specific distances
  • A new way to design roads in the LucidDrive Road Editor using straight and circle segments
  • New configurations using the sensor features to perform standard benchmark tests, such as US-NCAP and FMVSS 108 ADB, virtually

For details about these and many other enhancements in this release, see the LucidDrive Release Notes on SolvNetPlus.

If you have any questions about features in this release, please contact lucidshape_support@synopsys.com


MetaOptic Designer | Synopsys

RSoft Photonic Device Tools 2023.03

RSoft Photonic Device Tools 2023.03 includes the following enhancements:

  • MetaOptic Designer improvements, including the ability to load refractive lenses from CODE V so that hybrid optical systems combining metalenses and refractive lenses can be easily designed and optimized
  • Improved performance for the RSoft Bidirectional Scattering Distribution Function (BSDF) user-defined optical properties (UDOP) when using a single thread within LightTools. The processing speed is improved by up to 2x
  • Updated TCAD Interface features, including support for the new TDR format used by Sentaurus 2022.12 for optical simulations and a new RSoft TCAD Wizard to assist with design file and simulation script creation
  • Python 3 support for layout and data manipulation APIs

For details about these and many other enhancements in this release, log into SolvNetPlus and then see the RSoft Photonic Device Tools Release Notes.

If you have any questions about features in this release, please contact photonics_support@synopsys.com


Software and License File Instructions

To order a new license of CODE V, LightTools, LucidShape, or RSoft Photonic Device Tools, please contact the Synopsys Optical Solutions Group Sales Team at optics@synopsys.com.

To update your current version, go to the Synopsys SolvNetPlus website to obtain the latest software and license keys:

To learn more about navigating SolvNetPlus to obtain software and license keys, go to our "Using SolvNetPlus" page.

 

New Licensing Option Now Available

The 2023.03 versions of CODE V, LightTools, and LucidDrive support two licensing options: Legacy Licensing and Synopsys Common Licensing (SCL).

For these releases, most customers will continue using Legacy Licensing, which is the same type of licensing used in previous releases. If you will use the same Host ID as previous releases, choose Legacy Licensing.

Your Synopsys Optical Design Solutions representative will contact your company representative if you need to use SCL licensing.

Join Us at These Upcoming Events

Synopsys Optical Design Day

Wednesday, March 29, 2023
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. EST
Rochester, NY

Join us for the Synopsys Optical Design Day on Wednesday, March 29, 2023 in Rochester, New York. We will feature our latest developments to design any optical product–from macro- to nano-scale optics. You will have the opportunity to learn from and network with other users as well as the Synopsys team.

More details will be released soon, but you can reserve your spot now.

Learning Opportunities

Whether you have one hour or more, we have the courses that you need to learn something new and get up to speed on the latest features. Sharpen your skills with any of our available resources.

Upcoming Training

CODE V 

  • CODE V Discovery Training (April 19)
  • Practical Imaging System Optimization Using CODE V (April 24–26)

 

LucidShape

  • Introduction to LucidShape (March 20–24)
  • LucidShape CAA V5 Based Discovery Training (April 4)
  • Introduction to LucidShape CAA V5 Based Training (April 11–14)
  • LucidShape Advanced Training (April 18–20)

 

LightTools

  • Introduction to LightTools (April 3–5 & April 10–12)
  • LightTools Discovery Training (April 6 or 27)

 

RSoft Photonic Device Tools

  • RSoft Photonic Device Tools Training (March 14–23)

Latest SolvNetPlus Knowledge Base Articles

The SolvNetPlus Knowledge Base features a collection of searchable articles covering many topics about Synopsys products, including Optical Solutions tools. Here are a few recent additions to the ever-expanding library of technical articles:

How to write a macro in LucidShape
Hello World! Macro
Variables in LucidShape Script Macros
Text editor for LucidShape script macros
Operators in LucidShape script macros
Conditional statements in LucidShape script macros
Conditional loops in LucidShape Script Macros
Functions in LucidShape Script Macros
Create geometry in a LucidShape Script Macro
LucidShape Script Macro from Save as ASCII Functionality
Create Geometry by Function Call in LucidShape Script Macro
Create a dialog in a LucidShape Script Macro
Create a Light Source in a LucidShape Script Macro
Create a Sensor in a LucidShape Script Macro
Create a Simulation in a LucidShape Script Macro
Interactive design and simulation with a LucidShape Script Macro
Access and change sensor data in a LucidShape Script macro
Create input dialogs for text and numbers in a LucidShape Script macro
How to define an optical direction of the environment light source in the LucidShape
Creating BSDF Material from transmission data by using the MicroFacet tool
How to set the size of all gaps as same when using the Projection option in the Edit Grid of the MF
How to create a source inside a medium
How to create mesh surface for LucidShape standalone
How to define a user-defined UV Data View Properties preset in the LucidShape
How to check UV Data View for each light source in a single simulation
How to investigate the issue of some dark areas on a UV Data View
How to save time when arranging multiple MF Lens optics in LucidShape standalone
Which steering wheels are supported by LucidDrive?
Does LucidDrive support VR headsets?
Does LucidDrive support Adaptive Driving Beams (ADB)?
What is the difference between LucidDrive base and LucidDrive M?
What is the difference between LucidDrive base and LucidDrive SC?
How to use the Die Pull Direction option in the Light Guide Designer of LucidShape CAA V5 Based

Need Design Assistance?

If your team is strapped for time, our expert illumination and optical engineers can help you meet your product design goals.

  • Need help bringing your optical product to market and getting it manufactured? We've created over 5,500 designs across the spectrum of imaging, illumination, and systems applications. We can help you bring your product to market faster.
  • Need a CODE V macro developed to your unique specifications? Let us do the work for you.
  • Does your product design require specialized optical properties? Let us create a custom LightTools User-Defined Optical Property (UDOP) for you.

Email us at optics@synopsys.com to get started today.

Other Announcements

IODC Lens Design and Illumination Design Problems

Submissions are due April 1, 2023

Robert S. Hilbert Memorial Optical Design Competition

Applications accepted through June 15

More info | Winning Entries | 2022 Winners

Tech Papers

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