18.9 release notes€¦ · lensmechanix for creo parametric release notes 9 you can find the...

18.9 release notesDecember 2018

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Contents

1. About LensMechanix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

2. LensMechanix User Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

3. Load Opticstudio Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

3.1 Load Opticstudio File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

3.2 Load a File as Editable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

3.3 Load Diagnostics Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

4. Mechanical Packaging Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

4.1 Construction Geometry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

4.2 Optical Tolerances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

4.3 Mechanical Edge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

4.4 Scatter Profiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

4.5 Define A Mechanical Component As An Optical Component . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

4.6 Fold Mirror Tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

5. Multi-Configuration Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

6. Setting Up Prototypes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

6.1 Prototype Wizard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

6.2 Default Prototype . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

6.3 Clone Prototype . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

7. Ray Traces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

7.1 Ray Traces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

8. Troubleshooting Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

8.1 Optical Performance Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

8.2 Ray Filters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

8.3 Ray Animation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

8.4 Power Throughput . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

9. Add Optical Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

9.1 Add Catalog Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

9.2 Add Custom Components. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

9.3 Add Detector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

9.4 Add Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

10. Output Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

10.1 Save Opticstudio Output. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

10.2 Generate Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

10.3 Iso 10110 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

11. Update the Opticstudio Design File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

12. Surface Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

13. Position with References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

14. Improvements to Loading OpticStudio Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

14.1 Added Support for Optical Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

14.2 Convert and Load Off-Axis Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

15. Usability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

15.1 Run Multiple Ray Traces in Multi-Configuration Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

16. Bug Fixes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

LensMechanix for Creo Parametric release notes 3

1. About LensMechanix Empowers mechanical engineers to validate their designs

LensMechanix® is a tool for mechanical engineers who design packaging around optical systems. LensMechanix enables you to load optical components, sources, and detectors designed in OpticStudio® directly into a Creo assembly. Focus on designing the mechanical portions of a design instead of spending time recreating optical component geometry and repositioning components. After loading OpticStudio design files, you can create mechanical geometry in LensMechanix and validate that the mechanical geometry doesn’t impact the optical performance. You can then easily identify stray light problems, such as beam clipping and image contamination.

A simple chart showing pass/fail results for image quality and stray light metrics helps you quickly assess the performance of your design. Detailed data results are available for troubleshooting and deeper analysis.

For technical support, email [email protected] (please allow one business day for one of our optomechanical engineers to respond). We also welcome you to send your feedback and feature requests to help us improve LensMechanix.

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4 LensMechanix for Creo Parametric release notes

1. Quick Access Toolbar – The toolbar on the top contains buttons for using the most frequently used tools.

2. Ribbon – Provides access to most LensMechanix commands. From the ribbon, you can set up different analyses and validate the performance of the complete optomechanical system.

3. Optics Manager – This panel on the left includes the Analysis Manager, Input Tree, and Output Tree. Similar to the ribbon, you can make changes to the inputs and outputs of a ray trace through the Optics Manager.

4. Prototype Manager – The Prototype Manager is in the upper portion of the Optics Manager. It displays the prototypes that you have created in the assembly. You can create multiple prototypes within the same assembly to view the performance of the system at different conditions. You can switch from one prototype to another by double-clicking the prototype you would like to activate.

5. Input Tree – Located in the Optics Manager, the Input Tree displays a summary of the components and inputs for the active prototype. The inputs include mechanical components, sources, optical components, detectors, and surface power analyses. You can add inputs through the Prototype Wizard or the LensMechanix ribbon.

6. Output Tree – The Output Tree is located in the Optics Manager, just below the Input Tree. The Output Tree provides a visual summary of the current prototype outputs. Any output that you add to the active prototype are automatically displayed in the Output Tree. To view the outputs for a prototype, you must first set up the inputs and run a ray trace.

7. Status Bar – Located below the Optics Manager and graphics area, this toolbar gives you important status information related to your Creo CAD components and offers a menu to filter geometry, making selection processes easier.

8. In-Graphics Toolbar – This pane of icons offers quick access to many functions for Creo. Currently, LensMechanix does not include features in the task pane.

9. Graphics Area – The area where you display and manipulate your assembly and outputs.

2. LensMechanix user interface After you have installed LensMechanix and opened Creo, the LensMechanix tab will appear in the ribbon. You can access all LensMechanix commands through the ribbon and the Optics Manager. The workspace includes nine elements:


3. Load OpticStudio files3.1 Load OpticStudio filesAccess optical design data that is defined in OpticStudio to design a better optomechanical system

LensMechanix recreates lens geometry and loads the optical design data of an OpticStudio file directly into Creo. Optical components are loaded as native Creo parts. You also get access to important design data, such as materials, coatings, dimensions, and positions. OpticStudio files are loaded in a Creo assembly where you can access Creo modeling tools to design the mechanic around the system.

You can load OpticStudio files on the LensMechanix tab by clicking Insert OpticStudio File/Load OpticStudio File.

3.2 Load a file as editableAdjust the optical system to analyze changes to the optical systems

Loading a file as editable enables you to make changes to the optical system. You can adjust object types, dimensions, positions, materials, and coatings. Making changes to the optical system helps you see how the performance changes under different conditions.

Note: After changes are made to the optical system, there is no automatic way to revert them. Additionally, LensMechanix does not have optimization features, so changes to the optical system cannot be optimized. For these reasons, we recommend that systems with changes are validated in OpticStudio at the end of your design process.

To load a file as editable, in the Load OpticStudio File dialog box, clear the Load optical components as read-only objects check box.

You can make changes to the optical components through the right-click menu on the Optics Manager.


The Lens data dialog box displays the optical properties, as defined in OpticStudio. This includes the material, lens type, dimensions, positions, and coatings.

If the file is loaded as read-only, the lens, detector, and source data will be viewable but not editable.

3.3 Load diagnostics table Get instant feedback on the loading and non-sequential converting process

The Load OpticStudio File dialog box displays a diagnostics table that reports the outcome of the loading process. When the loading process is complete and successful, the loading results display as shown in the following figure.


LensMechanix performs non-sequential ray tracing, so sequential files are converted to non-sequential during the loading process. LensMechanix uses the same conversion that OpticStudio uses (NSC Converter). The diagnostics table indicates if the conversion from sequential to non-sequential is successful. To determine if there is success, the RMS spot size in the sequential design is compared to the RMS spot size in the non-sequential design. If the change in spot size exceeds 50%, the conversion is reported as failed. If the change in spot size exceeds 20%, the conversion displays a warning. If the conversion fails, it is possible that the sequential system needs to be adjusted to be supported as a non-sequential system.

The diagnostics table also shows whether the system was successfully loaded into Creo. If there is an error, it is likely that LensMechanix does not currently support a component as a native object and will either be created as a STEP file or not at all. If your system has an unsupported component, you can request support for it.

Lastly, a green check mark in the Complete loading process row indicates when the entire loading process is complete.

4. Mechanical packaging tools4.1 Construction geometryAccess geometry such as clear apertures or centers of curvature to make informed design decisions

Construction geometry is the relevant optical geometry of optical components. You can reference the construction geometry of optical components when creating mechanical components. You can access the apex, center of curvature, optical axis, and clear aperture sketches for all optical components.

• Vertex – Point where each optical surface crosses the optical axis

• Center of curvature – Point that represents the center of the radius of curvature of the lens surface

• Optical axis – Centerline of the lens object

• Clear aperture – The border between the portion of the lens surface that meets the optical specifications, and the portion that does not

You can display and hide each category of construction geometry in two locations:

1. From the Construction Geometry drop-down menu on the LensMechanix ribbon. This displays the construction geometry for all optical components.


2. From the right-click menu of an individual optical component in the Optics Manager. This displays the construction geometry for the individual optical component.

4.2 Optical tolerancesAccess optical parameter and positional tolerances to use in your mechanical design

If an OpticStudio file contains tolerance information, LensMechanix will load the non-sequential tolerance data and display it in the graphics area. You can use this information to design mechanical components. Any components with tolerance information are green or yellow. Lens colors are based on how tight or loose the tolerances are. Components without tolerance information are light blue, which is the default color for lenses brought into LensMechanix. Below is a description of the coloring scheme.

Description Result

No components have tolerance information All optical components are the default color

One component has tolerance information The component with tolerance information is green; the other components are the default color

Two components have the same tolerance information

Both components are green; the remaining are the default color

Two components have different tolerance information

The optical component with the tightest tolerance is yellow; the other component is green; and the remaining lenses are default

Six components consist of three pairs. Each pair has a different level of tolerance:1) Two objects with high tolerance2) Two objects with nominal tolerance3) Two objects with no tolerance information

High tolerance: yellowNominal tolerance: greenNone: default

There are two categories of tolerances: positional and parameter.


You can find the tolerancing information by clicking Optical Tolerancing on the LensMechanix ribbon. Select a green or yellow component in the graphics area to view the tolerance data.

The positional tolerance data displays in the flyout box from the optical component. The parameter information displays in the Tolerance Data window.

4.3 Mechanical edge Add a flat edge to an optical component for mounting

You can add flat edges to standard lenses and aspheres to better mount a system. This feature enables you to make changes to the sizes of the lenses without affecting the clear aperture of the lens. You can add flat edges to lenses without loading the file as editable.


You can add or edit existing mechanical edges in two locations:

1. On the LensMechanix ribbon, click Insert Part/Add Mechanical Edge. 2. In the Optics Manager, right-click any individual optical component.

4.4 Scatter profilesApply scatter profiles to your mechanical components to analyze scattering effects

You can apply scatter profiles to mechanical components to account for the real-world scattering effects of different surface finishes during a ray trace. By default, mechanical components are treated as mirrors as a worst-case scenario. Mechanical components will behave as a mirror if scatter profiles are not applied to them. The scatter profiles can be applied to the entire component, or to specific faces of a component. LensMechanix includes the most common scatter profiles used by mechanical designers, many of which have absorbent properties.

To apply scatter profiles to mechanical components, right-click the mechanical component in the Optics Manager and click Edit Surface Properties. The Mechanical Component Editor opens, enabling you to make changes to the scattering properties of the mechanical components.

Note: You can add custom scatter profiles in ISX or BSDF formats on the Surface Properties page of the Prototype Wizard.


4.5 Define a mechanical component as an optical componentDesign parts with optical properties as native Creo parts and run ray traces through them

You can design components with optical properties using Creo modeling tools. Once you create the geometry as a mechanical part, the component will be listed as a mechanical component in the Optics Manager. You can use this functionality to design light pipes, windows, and other components that might be hard to design in other software platforms. You can give this component refractive properties by turning it into an optical component. You can also add coatings to it. There is a short list of optical materials and coatings to choose from in LensMechanix. If a material you want is not available, you can save an OpticStudio output file and have the optical designer define the desired material in OpticStudio.

After you build the mechanical geometry, right-click the component in the Input Tree and click Make Optical Component.

In the Custom Component dialog box, you can change the material and coatings for the component you created.

When you define a mechanical component as an optical component, the Optical Performance Summary is grayed out. This is because LensMechanix does not have the optical optimization features to ensure that the system is still meeting specifications with this added optical component.


4.6 Fold Mirror toolAccommodate tight space requirements for predefined mechanical envelopes

Add fold mirrors directly in the CAD model to accommodate space requirements. Solid geometry neutral power fold mirrors can be added at any position in the optical assembly. All down path components are automatically repositioned to maintain the optical axis path length. The fold mirrors are easily modified to fit the existing mechanical mounting conditions and structural requirements. After adding fold mirrors, you can analyze the complete optomechanical system in LensMechanix to verify compliance with optical requirements or provide the system to the optical engineer as a .ZAR file.

To access this feature, click Add Parts in the Command Manager and select Add Fold Mirror. The window prompts you to define the file for additional analysis and optimization in OpticStudio.

5. Multi-configuration filesAnalyze the performance of a system at different configuration setups

You can load OpticStudio designs that have multi-configurations. Sequential designs are converted to non-sequential upon loading; however, not all sequential operands are converted to non-sequential. The configurations in the design correspond to a different family in Creo’s Family Table menu. Changes to configurations and setups can only be changed in the main file. You can use the other instances to view differences in ray traces and set up ray traces.


6. Setting up prototypes6.1 Prototype WizardStep through the ray trace settings with a straightforward user interface

The Prototype Wizard helps you navigate through the settings to set up an analysis. You can create prototypes with different settings to analyze the performance of the system at different conditions. You can use the lowest settings for the first ray trace for a faster ray trace, and then increase the setting after you are more confident in the design.

You can access the Prototype Wizard from the LensMechanix ribbon by clicking Start Prototype/Create Prototype Wizard. After you’ve defined the prototype settings, you change individual settings on the LensMechanix ribbon by clicking Prototype Settings.

6.1.1 Prototype settings: Source and Scatter settings

The source and scatter settings enable you to overfill the clear aperture, which increases the cone angle of the incoming light. It also enables you to analyze the performance with more light than is intended to go through the system.

You can also enable light scattering and ray splitting. There are three scatter settings options:

• Image quality – Assumes that all mechanical components are prefect reflectors. This does not consider scatter profiles applied on mechanical components.

• Image quality + light scattering – Accounts for surface scatter properties. Scattering is modeled by randomly deviating the refraction and reflection angle of some or all the rays leaving a surface.

• Image quality + light scattering + ray splitting – Accounts for rays that split into multiple rays. Some ray energy is reflected, other ray energy is transmitted. This setting should be enabled when the optical system includes components such as prisms, diffraction gratings, and/or beam splitters.


6.1.2 Ambient Conditions

LensMechanix loads and displays the ambient conditions from the OpticStudio file in the Ambient Conditions page of the Prototype Wizard. Adjusting the temperature and pressure changes the indices of refraction between optical components and ambient air at steady state. LensMechanix does not account for a temperature gradient within an object or assembly. Additionally, ambient conditions do not account for deformation or stress birefringent properties due to thermal or structural loads in the lenses.

6.1.3 Wavelengths

LensMechanix loads source wavelengths from the OpticStudio input file. The wavelengths in the system can be changed if the system needs to be tested under different conditions. You can use predefined wavelengths or add custom wavelengths using the green plus sign (+).

Note: Changing the wavelengths in the optical design can dramatically impact the results of the ray trace and should only be done if the system requires it.


6.1.4 Surface Properties: scatter profiles

Scatter profiles are used to determine how light scatters when it interacts with mechanical components. LensMechanix installs 11 commonly used scatter profiles. Custom scatter profiles can be added in .ISX or .BSDF file formats. You can add custom scatter profiles by saving them to the Scatter Data folder located in Documents/Zemax.

6.1.5 Precision Settings

The precision settings enable you to control the number of rays used in the ray trace.


A higher precision mesh takes longer to ray trace. The following table explains the setting options:

Setting Mesh Number of rays Scatter profile sample

1 Standard 10,000 5

2 Medium 100,000 5

3 High 1,000,000 2

4 Presentation 10,000,000 1

6.1.6 Allowable Δ

The Allowable Δ is where you enter the allowable design changes for the performance measurements. LensMechanix checks for changes in spot size, beam clipping, and image contamination. It is recommended that you discuss the allowable changes for these measurements with the person who designed the optical system.

6.1.7 Computational Domain

The Computational Domain enables you to define which components are considered in the analysis. Excluding mechanical components from the Computational Domain can decrease the time it takes to run a ray trace. You can remove objects that are irrelevant to the ray trace or complex objects, such as screws, bolts, and objects with many faces. You can change the Computational Domain at any time.

You can access the Computational Domain through the Prototype Wizard or by right-clicking the Computational Domain in the Optics Manager.


6.2 Default PrototypeSkip the Prototype Wizard and use default settings for a quick ray trace

A default prototype creates a new analysis with the default settings, skipping all settings except the Computational Domain. The default analysis uses the lowest settings, including no overfill of sources, image quality, and a standard mesh. You still have the option of defining the components in the Computational Domain. All other settings will be dependent on the OpticStudio design file. You can use a default prototype if you want to skip the prototype settings and jump to running a ray trace.

You can create a default analysis from the LensMechanix ribbon by clicking Start Prototype/Default Prototype.

6.3 Clone PrototypeCreate a copy of the active analysis to save time

Cloning a prototype creates a new prototype that is identical to the activated analysis. The new analysis has the same settings, inputs, outputs, and ray trace data. You can clone an analysis if you want to run a ray trace with similar settings. After the prototype is cloned, you can make changes to the settings. This does not change the settings in the original prototype.

To clone a prototype, ensure that the prototype you want to create a copy of is activated. Deactivated prototypes will be grayed out. To clone the prototype, click Start Prototype/Clone Prototype. Name the new prototype. You will see the new prototype in the Optics Manager.


7. Ray traces 7.1 Ray tracesRun ray traces through complete optomechanical systems to identify errors

LensMechanix has three different ray traces. Each ray traces paths of light through a system. Different ray traces consider different components in the system. Below is a description of the three ray traces.

• OpticStudio baseline – Traces rays through the non-sequential system of the OpticStudio file. When you load a sequential system, the OpticStudio baseline will confirm that the sequential system was successfully converted to non-sequential. If there was an error in the conversion, the OpticStudio baseline fails. If this is the case, the sequential system needs to be modified to be supported as a non-sequential system.

• Baseline Ray Trace – Traces rays through the optical components and ignores mechanical components in the Creo assembly. For optical systems coming from a sequential design, a baseline ray trace validates that the underlying optical system still meets the performance requirements. For optical systems coming from non-sequential designs, a baseline ray trace creates the performance baseline to compare it to a full ray trace. The results for the baseline are reported in the LensMechanix Baseline column of the Optical Performance Summary.

• Full Ray Trace – Traces rays through the optical and mechanical components in the Creo assembly. You can compare the Baseline Ray Trace and the Full Ray Trace to determine if the optical components in the Creo assembly are affecting the performance. The results for the full ray trace are reported in the LensMechanix Output column of the Optical Performance Summary.

8. Troubleshooting tools8.1 Optical Performance Summary Easily identify impacts on optical performance caused by mechanical components

The Optical Performance Summary (OPS) enables you to check if mechanical components are impacting the optical performance of a system. The OPS reports any changes in spot size, beam clipping, and image contamination for the three ray traces mentioned in Section 7. Additionally, the OPS provides tools that enable you to easily identify what part of the mechanical assembly is causing errors.


8.1.1 Spot size

The spot size reports the maximum change (µm) of the RMS spot size for all detectors. You can view the spot diagrams by clicking the Show Diagrams button in the OPS. If the change in spot size is larger than the value entered for the Allowable Δ, the value is reported and the box will be red.

8.1.2 Beam clipping

Beam clipping reports the percentage of all rays that are clipped by the mechanical design. If the amount of beam clipping is larger than the value entered for the Allowable Δ, the value is reported, and the box will be red. You can view the clipped rays with a purple ray filter by clicking the Display Clipped Rays button in the OPS.

8.1.3 Image contamination

Image contamination reports the percentage of rays hitting the image plane through an unintended path. Rays that unintentionally impact the image plane due to interaction with the mechanical components are considered contamination. If the amount of image contamination is larger than the value entered for the Allowable Δ, the value is reported and the box will be red. You can view the contaminating rays with an orange ray filter by clicking the Display Contaminating Rays button in the OPS.


8.2 Ray filters Easily identify sources of error on mechanical components

You can use ray filters to analyze and troubleshoot issues reported in the Optical Performance Summary. Ray filters enable you to isolate rays in the graphics area based on behavioral criteria, including filtering by individual component that rays interact or do not interact with.

You can add a ray filter by running a ray trace and then clicking Display Outputs/Rays on the LensMechanix ribbon.

8.3 Ray animationEasily identify features of mechanical components that are causing errors

View an animation of rays going from the sources through the optomechanical path then to the detectors. You can use ray animation to visualize the rays traveling through the system. This is useful for determining the specific features in the mechanical design that are causing stray light paths. The Ray Animation property manager includes the following:

• Speed – The speed of the animation is determined by the length of time it takes to play from start to finish.

• Loop Animation – If the Loop Animation check box is selected, the animation continues to play.

• Progress bar – This control moves the animation from Start to End as it is playing. Drag the icon across the progress bar to move forward or backward in the animation.

• Play and pause – You can pause the animation at any point to see where rays are interacting.

After running a ray trace, you can find the Ray Animation tool in the Display Outputs drop-down menu.


8.4 Power ThroughputQuickly determine the source of power lost in the optomechanical assembly

Power throughput calculates the amount of power that is lost to the optical and mechanical system. The amount of power that enters a system (flux in) is defined by the sources in the optical design. The amount of power that makes it through the system to the detectors is the flux out. LensMechanix separates the power lost into the power lost to optical components and power lost to mechanical components. The power lost to optical components is caused by internal reflections, absorption, and thin film or coating effects of the optical components. Some of this power is expected. The power lost to mechanical components is caused by reflections and absorption of the mechanical components. LensMechanix creates a ray filter of the rays that are causing power loss when you click Display rays.

To view the power lost in a system, first run a ray trace, then in Display Outputs, click Power Throughput.

9. Add optical components 9.1 Add Catalog ComponentSimulate optical performance with off-the shelf components

Add off-the-shelf optical components into Creo for faster component placement and iterations. When designing with catalog components, you can quickly adapt the system to design. You can access many of the catalogs, including Edmund Optics, Thorlabs, Newport, Optosigma, and more. To add a catalog component, on the LensMechanix tab, click Add Parts/Add Catalog Component. You can select a component by vendor.


9.2 Add custom componentsSimulate optical performance or make design suggestions with custom components

Add custom optical components to simulate and suggest changes in the optical design for faster iterations. You can add a custom component to a Creo assembly to simulate the performance of the system. When adding a new lens, you have the option to add any non-sequential objects. You can then define the dimensions and positions.

You can also filter using specific criteria, such as effective focal length, entrance pupil diameter, shape, and type.

After you have added components, you can position them anywhere in the graphics area. LensMechanix does not offer any optimization features to help place the components. To optimize the positions of a lens, or the complete optical setup, you can run a ray trace, save an OpticStudio output file, and share it with the OpticStudio user for optimization.


9.3 Add DetectorAdd a detector to the optical assembly to view the output of a ray trace

You can add detectors in an assembly to view beam outputs at a specific position. You can view detector data for a Detector Rectangle and Detector Color. To add a detector, on the LensMechanix tab, click Add Parts/Add Detector.

9.4 Add SourceAdd a source to simulate light coming from other sources

You can add non-sequential sources to a Creo assembly. After you’ve defined the source type, you can define the position and then run a ray trace to analyze the effects of the added source in the given system. The number of analysis rays and layout rays are defined in the prototype settings and the ray outputs, respectively. To add a source, on the LensMechanix tab, click Add Parts/Add Source.


10. Output files10.1 Save OpticStudio OutputCreate an output file to transfer your complete optomechanical design to OpticStudio

You can save a Zemax archive (.ZAR) file that includes the optical system and the mechanical components designed in Creo. The .ZAR file also includes ray trace data.

You can save an OpticStudio output file after running a ray trace by clicking Generate Files/Save OpticStudio Output.

10.2 Generate Report Create an output file to transfer your complete optomechanical design to OpticStudio

Generate a .PDF or .DOCX file to easily share information with colleagues that need an overview of the system analysis and performance. The report includes all the information you select in the Generate Report dialog box.

You can generate a report after running a ray trace by clicking Generate Files/Generate Report.


10.3 ISO 10110Create manufacturing drawings for ISO 10110

You can create 2D Creo drawings in LensMechanix for standard and aspheric lenses to communicate how specific lenses should be manufactured. LensMechanix will automatically populate ISO 10110 information for selected lenses to display dimensions, coatings, and materials.

To create ISO 10110 drawings, on the LensMechanix tab, click Generate Files/Generate Drawings. Include the components that you’d like to create drawings for in the green Included Components section and click OK.

Drawings will automatically be created with the ISO 10110 standards.


11. Update the OpticStudio design fileUpdate the optical design file in an assembly to understand changes needed

In an existing optomechanical system, you can change the optical system that was initially loaded. When you receive an OpticStudio design with changes, you can use the Update OpticStudio File feature to view the changes in the systems. You can then replace the old optical design file with the new one. This feature does not automatically repair references that have been broken in the Creo assembly. If any references are broken, you need to recreate or fix these mates after the update is completed.

To update the OpticStudio file, on the LensMechanix tab, click Input OpticStudio File/Update OpticStudio File. Select the new OpticStudio design file. Click List Changes to compare the current design file with the new one and list any detected changes. You can view the changes made to each component by clicking the specific component.


To update the system, click Update. Once the update is finished, the new optical system will be populated in the existing assembly. Changes to the mechanical components are not automatic, so you may need to redefine some mechanical geometry to fit your system.

12. Surface powerIdentify the power incident on mechanical components to validate system performance

View the power incident on any mechanical or optical component. You can view the flux and irradiance on any specific component at different resolutions. Viewing the power loss can help you determine which faces of the mechanical component are causing power loss in your system so that you can make changes to the geometry or apply more absorbent scatter profiles.

To add a surface power analysis, click Add Inputs > Surface Power Input before you run a ray trace.


13. Position with referencesEasily position the optical system within an existing mechanical assembly

When loading an OpticStudio file into Creo, you can load the optical system as a floating assembly. You can easily drag and position the optical assembly within an existing mechanical model without having to manually float or fix components. This can ensure that you can position the optical assembly in the correct position if you are working with an existing assembly.

To position the optical assembly with references, select the Position with references option in the Load OpticStudio File dialog box before you load the OpticStudio file. When Fixed in place is selected, the optical system will be fixed at the origin.

14. Improvements to loading OpticStudio files14.1 Added support for optical components Load a wider range of OpticStudio files into LensMechanix

LensMechanix now supports the Compound lens, Boolean Native object, and components that convert to Grid Sag. When loading an OpticStudio file, LensMechanix creates the component geometry of the supported components after the conversion to non-sequential. Below is a description of the supported components.

Compound lens: The compound lens object is a non-sequential object that support complex combinations of surfaces and apertures on the front and back faces of a lens. The compound lens object references two parent surfaces. The supported parent surface objects include: Standard Surface, Aspheric Surface, Toroidal Surface, Toroidal Odd Asphere, Zernike Surface, Biconic Surface, Biconic Zernike Surface, Extended Polynomial Surface, and Grid Sag Surface. Additional surfaces can be upon request.

Boolean Native object: The Boolean native object is a non-sequential object that uses a faster and more accurate ray tracing algorithm than the previously used Boolean object.

Grid Sag: Some sequential surfaces and components that do not convert directly to a non-sequential object convert to a 64x64 Grid Sag surface. A Grid Sag is an object whose shape is defined by a rectangular array of points. These points are defined in OpticStudio. Surfaces that exist as Grid Sag in sequential mode currently don’t convert to Grid Sag.


14.2 Convert and load off-axis components Load OpticStudio files with off-axis components, such as reflective systems

With support of the Grid Sag component, you can load optical systems that have off-axis lenses, mirrors with finite substrates, surfaces with decentered apertures, and more complex aspheric surfaces.

Sequential file in OpticStudio

Non-sequential file in LensMechanix

15. Usability15.1 Run Multiple Ray traces in multi-configuration filesRun multiple ray traces for all configurations with fewer clicks

You now have the option of running multiple ray traces for all configurations with fewer clicks. In previous versions, you had to create a prototype for each configuration and run a ray trace for an individual configuration. You can now select the configurations that you want to run a ray trace for and see results for the different configurations faster than before.


After you’ve loaded a multi-configuration file, you can access the different configurations though Family Tables on the Model tab. Open each configuration in the Family Table and create a prototype. In any open configuration, click Run Ray Trace. In the dialog box, select the configurations you want to run a ray trace for.

16. Bug fixesLensMechanix 18.9 for Creo includes the following bug fixes

• Creo was crashing when using the fold mirror tool. • When loading non-sequential files, rays were emanating from the Lambertian source. • Components such as Zernike surfaces and Source Diode where positioned incorrectly when loaded.

Copyright © 2018. Zemax LLC. All rights reserved. LensMechanix and OpticStudio are registered trademarks of Zemax LLC. All other registered trademarks or trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

About ZemaxZemax’s industry-leading optomechanical product design software, OpticStudio and LensMechanix, helps optical and mechanical engineering teams turn their ideas into reality. Standardizing on Zemax software reduces design iterations and repeated prototypes, speeding time to market, and reducing development costs.

We touch nearly every optical system manufactured today, including virtual reality systems, cell phone cameras, autonomous-vehicle sensor systems, and intraocular lenses—even imaging systems for the Mars Rover. By listening to our customers, we deliver unmatched value and have the largest, most passionate user base in the industry.

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