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LightTools has multiple modules that can be licensed in various configurations to best match your needs
Core Module
The Core Module provides graphical 3D solid modeling functionality for creating and visualizing optical and opto-mechanical systems, including the capability to specify properties for materials and optical surfaces. Productivity-enhancing features include an intuitive user interface, libraries of task- and application-specific utilities and example systems, programming extensions for automating workflow, and photorealistic renderings of mechanical models.
The LightTools Core Module is a prerequisite for all other LightTools modules.
Illumination Module
Enables designers to simulate and analyze light as it traverses the optical and mechanical components in a model. Includes state-of-the-art Monte Carlo ray tracing for accurate predictions of intensity, luminance, and illuminance throughout the model, as well as powerful illumination analysis capabilities.
Optimization Module
Automatically improves the performance of virtually any type of illumination system. Full integration with the LightTools 3D solid modeling environment ensures practical, realistic solutions in a fraction of the time it would take to accomplish manually.
Optimization Module DatasheetAdvanced Design Module
Provides a set of specialized tools to enable fast, robust modeling of reflective and refractive freeform optics in both single-surface and segmented configurations for a diverse set of illumination applications.
Advanced Physics Module
Extends optical modeling capabilities in LightTools for custom optical parts and advanced illumination subsystems. Includes modeling of phosphors, user-defined optical properties, and gradient index materials.
Modeling Phosphors in LightTools DatasheetSOLIDWORKS Link Module
Dynamically links SOLIDWORKS mechanical models to LightTools, where you can assign optical properties, optimize, and directly update your SOLIDWORKS design.
Learn MoreLightTools SmartStart Library Module
Provides access to a library of materials and media commonly used in the design of optical systems. Includes refractive index and absorption data as well as pre-defined volume scatter and BSDF materials.
Imaging Path Module
Defines an imaging path based on sequential optical surfaces and perform lens analyses. The Imaging Path capability can be used directly in LightTools or in conjunction with CODE V.
Data Exchange Module
Provide import and export capabilities for industry-standard CAD file formats, including IGES, STEP, SAT, CATIA V4 and V5, and Parasolid formats.
Distributed Simulation Module
Distributes Monte Carlo ray tracing over multiple computers to speed simulations of complex optical models.
LightTools MetaOptic Design
The new LightTools MetaOptic Design Add-On allows you to design and characterize gratings using the RSoft Photonic Device Tools. It leverages the proprietary bi-directional scattering distribution function (BSDF) formulation provided by the RSoft Photonic Device Tools and benefits from the interpolation techniques between simulated angles to get accurate behavior simulations of gratings with the rest of the illumination system. This feature reduces the complexity of setting up and analyzing an AR/VR system, which saves time.
Image Analysis Module
Enhances the efficiency of ray tracing using surface sequences that follow a defined order, propagation direction, and type, which allows you to trace only the rays that contribute to the desired paths. Especially effective for stray light analysis, where sampling low probability ray paths requires a large number of Monte Carlo rays, sequence ray tracing can significantly improve accuracy while also reducing the time required to compute results. LightTools can trace up to 64 sequences simultaneously, in forward or backward simulations.
Explore the LightTools Modules
Read more details about the LightTools modules.
Learn More About LightTools
LightTools Brochure
Design, optimize, analyze, and deliver innovative illumination systems. Create better optical designs with less effort and time.
Article
Why Choose LightTools?
If the performance or cost of your illumination system is critical to the success of your products, then you can depend on LightTools illumination design software.
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Applications
Applications
LEDs, displays, general lighting, solar, automotive, stray light simulation, and projectors.
Product literature
Download success stories, technical papers, and other product literature to learn about LightTools¡¯ capabilities.
Video
More Videos
View videos on YouTube to learn more about LightTools.
Case Study
Case Study: ERCO, the Light Factory
ERCO used LightTools to design their sophisticated Spherolit reflectors for accent lighting, washlighting, and wallwashing applications.
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Video
LightTools in CAD Environments for Freeform Optical Design
View the key features in LightTools for important analysis and optimization of freeform optical designs.
Blog
Save Time and Money with LightTools
LightTools introduces valuable new tools to help optical engineers and stray light analysts pinpoint and correct stray light issues early in the product design process, saving time and money.
Datasheet
LightTools New Features Datasheet
Find out how to upgrade your illumination optics designs with the latest version of LightTools.