Optical Solutions Enewsletter

February 2022

SmartStart Library Notice

LightTools 2022.03 will include a new, separately licensed SmartStart Library module. The SmartStart Library is a library of optical properties and materials for commercially available diffusers, reflectors, mold textures, plastics, and glasses. The SmartStart Library replaces and improves upon many of the measured BSDF optical properties and materials that were part of the LightTools library in past releases. Starting with LightTools 2022.03, these library items will no longer be installed with the software, and will only be available to SmartStart Library module licensees for download as part of the SmartStart Library from the OSG Customer Support Portal. LightTools customers with existing LightTools installations will continue to be able to use OPR and MAT files that have been installed as part of previous releases.

The SmartStart Library represents Synopsys’ ongoing efforts to provide you with timely and relevant optical measurements for the materials and surface treatments that you use most. Since we introduced the SmartStart Library into LucidShape a little over a year ago, we have added or updated well over 100 entries in the library and greatly improved the accuracy of simulated results when using mold textures on refractive surfaces. As of today, the SmartStart Library contains the BSDF data of over 450 surface treatments from 30 different vendors and over 200 diffuse or non-diffuse plastics and glasses from 11 different vendors.

Please contact us at optics@synopsys.com if you would like more information about licensing the LightTools SmartStart Library module and pricing. For the technical details about using the new library files and how to continue working with the previous library datasets, please contact support at lighttools_support@synopsys.com.

Optical Solutions eLearning Courses Available

Now you can learn CODE V and LightTools online, at your own pace.  Check out our catalog of eLearning courses to find a course that is right for you. To enroll, complete the registration form to access the eLearning platform. All current users are eligible.

Online Learning for Synopsys Optical Solutions

New SolvNetPlus Knowledge Base Articles Available for LightTools

The SolvNetPlus Knowledge Base features a collection of searchable articles covering many topics of Synopsys tools. Recently, we began adding articles for LightTools, with many more on the way for other Optical Solutions software. Here are a few highlights of articles that are now available:

A SolvNetPlus account is required to access these articles. To view the entire list of available articles, log in to SolvNetPlus and click on “Articles” in the top menu.

CODE V & LightTools Short Host ID Retirement

All short host IDs for CODE V and LightTools (e.g., 80-12345) will be retired in 2022. They will be replaced with long host IDs (e.g., 80-*1234567890ABCDE) associated with your existing dongles. For licenses locked to short host IDs:

  • If you renew your software licenses prior to February 2022, you will receive a new dongle.
  • If you renew after February 2022, you will be asked to provide the long host ID for your existing dongle, which we will use to generate a new license file for you.

You will be contacted by your local sales and support staff regarding the timing of your conversion. This will be necessary for you to use versions of CODE V and LightTools released in 2022.

Thank you for your understanding as we make this change.

Latest Blog Articles

LightTools Features Drive Efficient Illumination Optics Design

LightTools celebrated its 27th anniversary on January 26, 2022. In this blog article, we’ve highlighted a few recent LightTools enhancements that meet the evolving requirements of illumination system design.

Read article

Structural, Thermal and Optical Performance (STOP) Analysis in CODE V

Efficient modeling makes it easier to understand the impact of external influences on optical system performance and will save you time and money when bringing your optical designs to life. Learn how CODE V offers effective Structural, Thermal and Optical Performance (STOP) analysis.

Read article

Upcoming Events

Product Training

We offer comprehensive introductory and advanced Optical Solutions product training. View our list of upcoming instructor-led training events and register today!

Online Tech Talks

Looking to hone your skills? We have a great lineup of 1-hour online talks covering a wide range of applications.

Conferences

OFC
San Diego, CA
March 6–10, 2022
 

The International Symposium on Automotive Lighting (ISAL)
Darmstadt, Germany
April 4-6, 2022


LASER
Munich, Germany
April 26–29, 2022
 

LightFair
Las Vegas, NV
June 19–23, 2022

 

Student Optical Design Competition

Students are invited to enter our annual Robert S. Hilbert Memorial Optical Design Competition, which recognizes excellence in optical design projects completed by students. Awards totaling $10,000 will be granted. Enter your project today!

To enter, complete the entry form and send us your optical design class assignment or thesis work completed during the 2021-2022 academic year using any of our software tools: CODE V, LightTools, LucidShape, and Photonic Solutions. 

Entries are due June 15, 2022.