Press Releases

Please find below our latest press releases. For more information click on the press release and find also downloadable material.

VirtualLab Fusion 2020.1: Fast Physical Optics, Brought to the Next Level

Latest release of physical-optics software VirtualLab Fusion opens the door to a wider range of applications.

[Jena, Germany | August 2020]

The strategy followed by LightTrans International in the development of the physical-optics design software VirtualLab Fusion can be summarized in two words: connecting solvers. The latest version, 2020.1, released this summer, brings this strategy to a whole new level.

Connecting field solvers is the basis of fast physical optics: using a single solver for the simulation of a complex system is not an option – either important effects are missed, or the simulation becomes too heavy. VirtualLab Fusion acts as a one-stop simulation platform where different solvers can be applied for the different components in the system, and the results are combined seamlessly in a non-sequential way to provide the vectorial solution for the whole system. In the latest version, those solvers can be defined in the space or in the spatial frequency (k) domain, depending on which is more convenient on a case-by-case basis. This freedom an asset: the simulations are faster and, in many cases, physical effects in the system are considered in an even more exact way.
This domain freedom puts the spotlight on the Fourier transform (FT). Another reason for the widespread assumption that physical optics is slow and heavy is the tradition of using the rigid Nyquist-Shannon equidistant sampling, a prerequisite of the well-known Fast Fourier Transform. But VirtualLab Fusion 2020.1, with its catalog of Fourier transform algorithms and the accompanying hybrid data handling, provides a workaround to sidestep such stringent sampling conditions: the result is, simply, faster physical-optics.

So, there it is: New solvers. The freedom to move between domains to apply them. A catalog of FT algorithms with automatic decision making for a comfortable and seamless experience.
In other words: new fields of application now open to you with VirtualLab Fusion 2020.1, and faster than ever before.

Cascaded apertures, 4f setups, laser systems
Considering diffraction throughout an optical system, as opposed to working under the assumption that diffraction will not appear until the exit pupil, is vital to model a series of well-known scenarios: 4f setups, cascaded apertures, paraxial Gaussian systems. “In VirtualLab Fusion 2020.1 we implement a collection of innovative Fourier transform algorithms with a unique hybrid data handling to keep computational effort in check, plus a fully automatic, but customizable, decision-making process,” explains Frank Wyrowski, president of LightTrans.
All of which, together, ensure diffraction effects are taken into account throughout the system in a faster and more user-friendly way.

Gratings & stratified media
Agility in the computation of Fourier transforms not only has repercussions in the simulation of diffraction effects: a quick back-and-forth between the space and k domains is a necessity to model systems which combine components with different natural domains, as is the case e.g. for lenses or other curved surfaces (space domain), and gratings (k domain). CTO Site Zhang emphasizes, “The new components in version 2020.1 for gratings, plane interfaces, and stratified media take full advantage of a rigorous k-domain treatment. With the new medium which facilitates the definition of pillars with varying parameters, we now support a user-friendly configuration and simulation of metagratings.” For example, non-intuitive effects, like the angular/spectrum dispersion and polarization dependency, are automatically taken into account.

Diffractive lenses & holographic optical elements (HOEs)
The new components for diffractive lenses and HOEs tackle the local variation of parameters in the structure with the use of the local linear grating approximation (LLGA), with both the rigorous Fourier modal method (FMM) and the thin-element approximation (TEA) available as local algorithms to model the interaction of light with the structure.

Augmented and mixed reality
AR & MR have been common in science fiction for decades. We are now bearing witness to the growth of this technology in real life; however, tackling the challenges which remain yet to be overcome – specifically those related to the optics – demands dedication and ingenuity. To the modeling and design tools dedicated to this topic already previously available, version 2020.1 adds a visualization of the beam footprints superimposed onto the segmented grating regions. LightTrans International has also partnered with Dynardo to offer optiSLang®’s evolutionary algorithm embedded in VirtualLab Fusion’s user interface (sold separately).

LightTrans International UG
LightTrans offers solutions for the entire development cycle of optical components. Our products and services include optical design software, optical engineering, training and consulting. All the products and services of LightTrans are based on the physical optics design software “VirtualLab Fusion” developed and produced by Wyrowski Photonics, which provides ray tracing and fast physical optics methods.

Please download the image material here:

LightTrans Logo
Product VirtualLab Fusion
Picture 01: Pinhole Modeling in Low-Fresnel-Number System
Picture 02: Focusing EM Fields by Cascade Apertures
Picture 03: Beam Clean Up by Spatial Filtering
Picture 04: Afocal System Analysis for Laser Guide Stars
Press Release: VirtualLab Fusion Release 2020.1

Software Solutions for AR & VR, Gratings, Diffractive and Metalenses, DOE’s

VirtualLab Fusion release with exciting new physical-optics features presented at LASER 2019

[Jena, Germany | June 2019]

The German software producer LightTrans International will present the new summer release 2019 of its Fast Physical Optics software VirtualLab Fusion at Laser World of Photonics 2019 in hall B1 at booth 209. The update provides new and improved solutions in applications like lightguide modeling and design for AR & VR glasses; diffractive- and metalens modeling and design; modeling of lens systems including gratings and microstructures; as well as for numerous other fields of application like microscopy, fiber coupling, and interferometry. Additionally, all the benefits listed above are now also accessible via customized external code, e.g. Python, with VirtualLab Fusion generating the physical-optics results in the background.

Augmented & Virtual Reality
Augmented- and mixed-reality glasses based on lightguide technology are currently of great interest, not least because of the pioneering work done by Microsoft™ and its HoloLens project. “LightTrans presents, with its VirtualLab AR & VR Solutions Package, the only commercially available solution on one platform which provides a fast and accurate physical-optics modeling of AR & VR lightguides including all relevant effects like diffraction, polarization, interference, and coherence,” explains Frank Wyrowski, president of LightTrans. In addition, with its new release, the company includes an amazing design technology, which provides experts with a fast way to obtain designs for further investigation, and all companies, even those without a team of top experts in grating theory and lightguide technology, solid access to this fascinating AR & VR glass technology.

Gratings
The inclusion of gratings in lens systems is not only of concern for AR & VR but for many more applications. VirtualLab Fusion comes with new grating components which can be included in any lens system while at the same time being modeled by electromagnetic methods.

Diffractive lenses
Diffractive lenses enable flat compact optics but require sophisticated modeling and design technology in order to judge their applicability as part of an optical system. This newest version of VirtualLab Fusion provides a fast electromagnetic modeling approach for diffractive lenses, together with lens structure design and fabrication data export. It also allows for the usage of binary surfaces from Zemax^® OpticStudio^®.

Metalenses
Metalenses seem to be a great candidate to go a step further in flat optics. Instead of using local gratings, as is the case with diffractive lenses, in metalenses nanostructures are used to control the local effects. VirtualLab Fusion adds an electromagnetic modeling and design technique to investigate the functionality of metalenses in optical systems.

Diffractive Optical Elements (DOE) and Diffusers
In its new version VirtualLab Fusion provides a new micro structured component which applies a more sophisticated modeling technique. It facilitates the simulation of micro structured surfaces, not only in the paraxial, but also in the non-paraxial, domain. This is of great importance for applications in illumination and sensors, e.g. for face recognition. While, traditionally, diffractive optics was introduced for paraxial, low-divergence scenarios, the increasing number of new applications for DOE’s and diffusers require the generalization of modeling and design techniques. Michael Höschel, General Manager of LightTrans emphasizes: “We are preparing the release of various new techniques in VirtualLab Fusion and new services for those applications in 2019. The first batch of new technologies will be presented at LASER World of Photonics 2019.”

Please download the press release here:

Press Release

i-work Business Award 2018

LightTrans awarded with i-work-Business Award 2018

The German company persuaded with concept for intercultural collaboration

[Jena, Germany | November 2018]

The LightTrans International UG has been awarded with the “i-work Business Award” in the category “SME - small and medium-sized enterprises” on 27 November 2018 in Jena, Germany. LightTrans is one of the worldwide leading supplier of simulation software in the field of optics. The company is based in Jena - the historical and current center of optics in Germany. They employ 25 employees, thereof 40 percent are international specialists originated from 8 different countries. This international workforce results in intercultural opening and collaboration in the company.

“We are an internationally oriented company with heart and soul. With our efforts and experiences, we aim to increase the visibleness of the topics integration in the corporate landscape of Jena and its region.”, emphasizes Petra Wyrowski, co-founder and shareholder.

The jury of the award for intercultural diversity in Jena was convinced by LightTrans’ extensive company concept. International employees are not only supported during their starting time in Germany, e.g. administrative matters or their apartment search. Especially the togetherness in LightTrans’ working life is focused on cultural diversity: in the office speaking German and English is a matter of course. Experiencing time together, like corporate excursions, taking part in sporting events or games night complement the concept. Additionally an intensive cooperation with the “Abbe School of Photonics” - an optical and photonics oriented education program at Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena addresses international students already in the academic environment.

“We value the versatile cultural influences and perspectives of our international specialists, who clearly improve and promote our work and company.” Adds Michael Höschel, Managing Director of LightTrans.

LightTrans International UG

LightTrans offers solutions for the entire development cycle of optical components. Our products and services include optical design software, optical engineering, training and consulting. All the products and services of LightTrans are based on the physical optics design software “VirtualLab Fusion” developed and produced by Wyrowski Photonics, which provides ray tracing and fast physical optics methods.
www.lighttrans.com

i-work Business Award

The i-work Business Award is awarded by the Business Development Agency Jena and the prestigious Friedrich Schiller University Jena under the patronage of employment minister Heike Werner. The award honors companies which promote intercultural opening for international professionals exemplary. The i-work is part of the project „HiTh–Hochqualifiziert. International. Thüringen.“ supporting international concepts of companies in Jena and its region.

www.hith.uni-jena.de/i-work