Webinars

Modeling and Design of Metagrating Structures

22 September 2022
10:00 – 11:00 and 18:00 – 19:00 (CEST)

Recent years have finally begun to see the coming to life of an ambitious field that, at least where theory was concerned, has been buzzing with activity for decades: metamaterials. Although still extremely challenging, the manufacture of subwavelength structures capable of replicating certain desired emerging properties has, in some cases, become possible due to the constantly improving fabrication technology. In this webinar we will focus on one specific subgroup under the general banner of metamaterials – metagratings: a given arrangement of subwavelength surface structures which is periodically repeated. The advantages of this approach can be, for example, an increased flexibility: in 1D-periodic structures, the response in the invariant direction can be more easily tailored using the distribution of subwavelength structures of the metagrating in that direction.

In the fast physical optics modeling and design software VirtualLab Fusion we put at your disposal several tools specifically designed for the user-friendly configuration and simulation of metagratings. In our coming webinar we will demonstrate these tools in action with some selected application examples. Take part and join the discussion! What you can expect to see:

• Modeling and design of blazed metagratings
• Design of 2D non-paraxial beam-splitting metagrating

Multiphysical System Modeling and Optimization in Optics Development

30 March 2022
This webinar is hosted and organized by OptoNet – Thuringias Photonic Network. LightTrans is proud to present VirtualLab Fusion related content next to the two OptoNet members Dynardo/Ansys and CiS.

Simulation methods and algorithms play a significant role in product and process optimization. For complex systems, such as laser processing equipment, interactions between multiple physical domains may need to be considered. Accordingly, in this webinar we would like to provide insight into the general workflow of a process and product optimization using several examples. In particular, we will look at systems in which information is exchanged across domains as well as across software as part of the optimization process.

Analysis and Optimization of Lightguides for Augmented & Mixed Reality

16 February 2022
Augmented and mixed reality (AR & MR) devices constitute one of the most exciting developments in optical engineering in recent times: mainly due to the thrilling new applications they enable, but also, from an optical engineer’s perspective, because of the challenges arising from such systems.  

The fast physical optics modeling and design software VirtualLab Fusion is perfectly placed to become the simulation tool of choice for optical engineers working in AR and MR. Its consistent vectorial treatment of fields takes complex polarization effects into account, while its “connecting field solvers” technology allows us to combine a rigorous field solver for the grating regions of the lightguide with other, less resource-heavy methods for the free-space propagation and the surfaces of the lightguide, to produce a thorough yet efficient result. Additionally, VirtualLab Fusion offers specific detectors and design algorithms to help the optical designer in his AR & MR design tasks.  

Join this webinar if you would like to see the following examples in action in VirtualLab Fusion:

• Introduction & Optimization of lightguides with continuously modulated grating regions 
• PSF & MTF analysis of complex lightguide system with 2D eye pupil expansion and human eye model 
• Demonstration of other complex layouts (like 2D-periodic diamond-shaped grating from Wave Optics patent, butterfly eye pupil expansion from Microsoft patent)

Next-Generation Optics Software: Trends in Technology

18 January 2022
President Frank Wyrowski introduces an alternative approach to optical systems modeling in this webinar: identifying and applying the generalization of ray optics inside the framework of physical optics. He presents modeling software that results from answering this question, showcasing how physical optics modeling can be made more practical and useful for advancing technologies such as AR/MR devices.
Physical optics calculation software typically provides a single solving program for Maxwell’s equations. Field solvers like finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) or finite element method (FEM) enable the modeling and design of specific micro- and nano-optics structures but, because of their high numerical effort, which tends to scale up with the size of the system, are not by themselves a realistic approach to system modeling.

Advanced Modeling of Microlens Arrays with VirtualLab Fusion

23 November 2021
The new Microlens Array component with its optional lateral channel decomposition technology makes the simulation of MLAs most efficient.
In modern optical systems, the applications of microlens arrays (MLAs) cover a broad and varied range: as the main component in Shack-Hartmann sensors or in light field cameras, as collimating elements for emitter arrays (VCSEL or diode bars) or playing a vital role in diffusers and homogenizers. These are just some of the many uses to which this type of element can be put.

The new Microlens Array component in the fast physical optics modeling and design software VirtualLab Fusion with its optional lateral channel decomposition technology makes the simulation of optical systems containing MLAs much more efficient and user-friendly. It gives control to the user, allowing him to investigate the behavior of each microlens in the array independently, or of all of them together. At the same time, all the perks of the field tracing technology that has become the signature of this powerful software are still there: the different modeling levels are the key to the consideration of diffraction in different parts of the system.