Optrace 1.7.0 Documentation¶
Overview¶
optrace (OPtics rayTRACEr) is a scripting based optics simulation package, developed at the Institute for Applied Optics and Electronics at the TH Köln - University of Applied Science in Cologne, Germany. It features sequential raytracing, image rendering capabilities and a graphical user interface. This tool is designed with a focus on image simulation with accurate color handling, differentiating it from other raytracers that may prioritize engineering workflows.
optrace is suitable for educational purposes, enabling the creation of interactive applications with custom user interfaces through Python scripting and comprehensive documentation. Its interactive 3D scene viewer allows for hands-on exploration of optical principles.
Furthermore, optrace’s automation features and extensibility, including support for custom surfaces and materials, make it a viable tool for research applications.
- Features
Free and open source software
Programming/scripting approach to simulation
Sequential raytracing for geometrical optics
Rendering of colored detector images
Paraxial analysis (matrix optics, cardinal points/planes and PSF convolution)
Includes preset and user-definable surface shapes, ray sources, and media
An additional GUI with an interactive 3D scene viewer
Automation capabilities
High performance of 0.11 s / surface / million rays (details)
Comprehensive documentation
- Limitations
Coding-free simulations are not supported
Wave optics effects such as diffraction and interference are not included
No non-sequential raytracing for simulating ghost images and reflections
Mirror or fresnel lens optics are not supported
No modelling of scattering effects or polarization-dependent media
No functionality for lens optimization, aberration analysis, and tolerancing
- Purpose/Use Cases
Educational purposes, demonstrating aberrations or simple optical setups
Introductory tool to paraxial, geometrical optics or image formation
Simulation of simpler systems: Prism, eye model, telescope, …
Estimation of effects where professional software (ZEMAX, OSLO, Quadoa, …) is overkill for
Similar Software¶
- Geometrical Optics
RayOptics by Michael Hayford. Tracing and optical design analysis tool.
rayopt by QUARTIQ. Tracing and optical design analysis tool.
RayTracing by DCC-Lab. Paraxial raytracer with beampath visualization.
Optiland by Harrison Kramer. Optical design and analysis framework.
- Wave Optics
diffractsim by Rafael de la Fuente. Waveoptics simulation of arbitrary apertures and phase holograms.
poppy by Space Telescope Science Institute. Fraunhofer and Fresnel propagation for optics.
prysm by Brandon Dube. Interferometer and diffraction calculations.
- Geometrical + Wave Optics