Ansys Optics

Fundamental Fridays: What is Stress Birefringence? Birefringence is a fascinating optical phenomenon found in certain materials. Unlike most transparent materials with a single refractive index, birefringent materials split incoming light into two rays, each following a different path due to two refractive indices. This effect depends on the material’s atomic structure and the direction and polarization of the light. When unpolarized light enters a birefringent material, it separates into the ordinary ray (o-ray) and the extraordinary ray (e-ray), each of which is polarized differently and travels at a distinct speed. Natural crystals, such as calcite, quartz, and ruby, as well as synthetic materials like polymers and resins, can exhibit birefringence due to their anisotropic properties. Stress Birefringence occurs when external forces or deformation introduce changes at the molecular level, causing the refractive index to vary. This phenomenon is known as the #photoelastic effect, which is prominent in plastics and stretched films. Unlike the piezoelectric effect, which generates an electric charge, stress birefringence alters the optical properties of the material, enabling the visualization of stress distributions—a valuable tool for testing optical components in devices such as AR/VR headsets. Applications of Birefringence span scientific instrumentation, LCD screens, optical communications, and polarizing filters. Techniques like polarized light microscopy and optical coherence tomography use birefringence to study material properties and biological tissues. LCDs use birefringent liquid crystals to control light, while fiber optic cables utilize it to maintain signal integrity. Polarizing filters enhance image clarity by blocking specific components of polarized light. Why is Measuring Stress Birefringence Important? Stress birefringence can reduce optical performance, especially in plastic lenses used in smartphones, HUDs, and AR/VR headsets. Manufacturing processes, such as injection molding and mounting, introduce residual stresses that alter the refractive index and degrade image quality. Even small losses in light transmission can significantly impact device performance, resulting in dimmer images and increased power consumption. To address these challenges, #simulation and computational modeling are essential. Tools like Ansys Zemax OpticStudio and Ansys Mechanical allow engineers to analyze and optimize birefringence effects, reducing costly prototype cycles and improving product quality. Want to learn more about stress #birefringence and the Ansys Optics Solution? Watch our deep dive session today. https://ansys.me/4oa3SfM #StressBirefringence

Tech Tip Tuesday: Transform Your Photonics Workflow with Ansys Cloud Burst Compute™ for Lumerical FDTD Are you struggling to keep up with the demands of large-scale photonics simulations? With the recent launch of Ansys Cloud Burst Compute™ for Lumerical FDTD™, you can tap into powerful, cloud-based CPU and GPU resources—without the hassle of IT setup or hardware management. What Makes Cloud Burst Compute for Lumerical FDTD a Game-Changer? ◾On-Demand High-Performance Computing: Submit jobs directly from the Ansys Lumerical FDTD desktop application—available on both Windows and Linux. No #HPC or IT expertise required; Ansys handles the cloud infrastructure so that you can focus on innovation. ◾Flexible and Scalable: Your company’s Ansys Cloud plan gives access to a pool of compute credits for designated users. Need more power? Purchase extra credits anytime to ensure your simulations never hit a bottleneck. ◾Seamless Workflow Integration: Launch single simulations or sweeps with a few clicks. The intuitive Job Submission panel enables you to select resources, estimate costs, monitor progress, and automatically download results—streamlining the entire #simulation life cycle. ◾Full Control and Transparency: The Job Manager window displays real-time status updates, progress bars, and lets you stop monitoring or download results manually via the Ansys Engineering Portal. Credit usage and job history are easily tracked for efficient resource management. ◾Simple Onboarding: Sign in securely with your Ansys account right from the #FDTD interface or Optics Launcher. Your company administrator manages access and credits through the Ansys Admin Portal. Quick Start Example: Your First #GPU Simulation in the #Cloud 1️⃣Open your project in Ansys Lumerical FDTD 2025 R1.3. 2️⃣Navigate to the “FDTD” Tab, select “GPU,” and choose “Burst” in the “Run Simulation” group. 3️⃣Click “Run,” log in to your Ansys account, and ensure you have sufficient credits. 4️⃣Use the Job Submission panel to review settings and submit your simulation. 5️⃣Monitor job status and download results automatically when complete. Whether you’re running single jobs or parameter sweeps, the process is designed for maximum efficiency and ease of use. Ready to see Ansys Cloud Burst Compute for Lumerical FDTD in action? Join us for a virtual deep dive session on November 20, where you will learn best practices, advanced configuration tips, and integrated workflows for launching, monitoring, and retrieving simulation results. The session includes an extended live Q&A session allowing you to connect directly with Ansys #photonics experts. Ansys Optics Deep Dive: Accelerate Photonics with Ansys Cloud Burst Compute November 20 / 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (EST) Spaces are limited, so register now to be among the first to master cloud-powered photonics simulations: https://ansys.me/4r23rah #AnsysBurstCompute

“With the help of Ansys Speos software, Ansys Zemax OpticStudio software, and Ansys AVxcelerate Headlamp software, we can design, simulate and test vehicle headlights under different night driving conditions, create and simulate various driving scenarios, perform virtual measurements, and assess glare to ensure driver safety without creating dangerous glare for other drivers.” — Luca Dusini, Performance Trim, Innovation & Seats Development Manager, Ferrari Ferrari is setting new standards in automotive lighting innovation, harnessing Ansys simulation tools to achieve an impressive 80% reduction in headlamp development costs. By leveraging Ansys Speos, Zemax OpticStudio, and AVxcelerate Headlamp software, Ferrari engineers can virtually design, optimize, and test advanced adaptive headlights to ensure optimal driver visibility, regulatory compliance, and minimal glare for oncoming traffic, all while accelerating development and eliminating costly physical prototypes. Discover how Ansys simulation tools are helping to empower Ferrari’s rapid, cost-effective headlamp innovation for both road and race cars, delivering cutting-edge safety and performance with intelligent lighting systems. 👉 Read the full case study to explore the technology behind Ferrari’s success: https://okt.to/3R4CHo 🏎️Then take Ansys Optics design and simulation software for a test drive! Request a free trial today: https://okt.to/OKwEmV #Ferrari #Ansys #AutomotiveInnovation #Simulation #AdaptiveHeadlights #VirtualTesting #CostReduction #Optics #HeadlampDesign #Safety #Performance

Fundamental Fridays: What Is a Metasurface? Metasurfaces are revolutionizing the world of optics and photonics. These ultrathin, planar materials—smaller than the wavelength of light—feature nanoscale structures that manipulate light’s phase, polarization, and amplitude. While much attention is given to visible light, metasurfaces are also pivotal in controlling infrared wavelengths, particularly in aerospace and defense applications. Key Concepts: ◾Metamaterials are engineered from nanoscale building blocks called meta-atoms, arranged into pillars or cylinders. Their unique properties allow for manipulation of optical, acoustic, and electromagnetic waves. ◾Metalenses (meta-optics) are flat, compact lenses made from metasurfaces, replacing bulky traditional optics for advanced light control. Types of Metasurfaces: ◾Dielectric Metasurfaces: Made from materials like silicon, germanium, and titanium dioxide, these have lower absorption losses and are transparent across visible/infrared wavelengths. ◾Plasmonic Metasurfaces: Utilize metals like silver and gold to harness surface plasmons, enabling control over light at extremely small scales that are ideal for sensing and imaging. Nanostructures such as nano-antennas, nanopatterns, and nanoslits further optimize metasurface properties, enabling multifunctional optical devices. Applications: ◾Sensing: Metalenses in smartphones, cameras, and medical imaging (endoscopes) enhance picture quality and add new functionalities. ◾Automotive: Advanced lidar for ADAS and autonomous vehicles; efficient, flat headlamps. ◾Imaging: Improved resolution and clarity in medical and machine vision applications. ◾AR/VR: Lightweight, thin metasurfaces reduce headset bulk, improving comfort and performance. ◾ Spectrometry: Compact, high-resolution spectrometers for food, beverage, and medical diagnostics. Design & Simulation: Manufacturing metasurfaces involves precision techniques like lithography and etching. Prototyping is complex and costly, but simulation drastically reduces time and expense. Ansys part of Synopsys offers comprehensive simulation solutions—Ansys Lumerical and Ansys Zemax OpticStudio—to model electromagnetic and ray-tracing effects across all size scales. Ready to experience how simulation can transform your metasurface designs? 🔗 Learn more: What is a Metasurface? https://ansys.me/4nVrRzl 💡 Then request your free trial! https://ansys.me/3K2Rxfs #Metasurfaces #Optics #Photonics #Metalenses #Simulation #ARVR #Automotive #MedicalImaging #Spectrometry #Nanotechnology

Ansys Cloud Burst Compute for Lumerical FDTD turns compute from a constraint into an accelerator. Engineers can explore richer designs, validate earlier, and deliver better products faster. Excited to learn how cloud computing is revolutionizing photonics and optical design? Join us for our Ansys Optics Deep Dive virtual event on November 20th! Discover how Ansys Cloud Burst Compute enables on-demand access to massive CPU/GPU resources, fast multiphysics solvers, and broader simulation exploration. With Ansys Cloud Burst Compute for Lumerical FDTD, you can: ▶️ Scale simulations elastically for high-fidelity parameter sweeps and Monte-Carlo analyses ▶️ Accelerate FDTD and ray-tracing with GPU-powered cloud HPC ▶️ Simplify IT and manage costs with pay-as-you-go SaaS integration ▶️ Submit jobs directly from your Ansys desktop environment, keeping familiar workflows Whether you’re designing advanced photonics components or optimizing automotive lighting, Cloud Burst Compute helps you iterate faster, validate earlier, and innovate with confidence. Don’t miss out! Register now for the Ansys Optics Deep Dive on November 20th, where you’ll hear expert insights from Lisa Clauson, experience a live product demo of Ansys Cloud Burst Compute for Lumerical with Kirill Afanasev, and gain an industry leader’s perspective from Majid Heidari. Registration here: https://ansys.me/3JwUvJ9 #AnsyspartofSynopsys #CloudComputing #Photonics #OpticalDesign #Simulation #HPC #FDTD

Dylan McGuire, Director of R&D for Photonics at Ansys part of Synopsys, brought his perspective to the October FiO LS 2025 panel, “The Future of #AI in the Design of #Optics and #Photonics.” Hosted by Optica and APS, the session explored how #machinelearning is reshaping optical innovation and career paths. Here are Dylan’s thoughts on his experience engaging with global experts and advancing next-gen photonics through AI. "Joining the panel on the future of AI in optics and photonics was a powerful reminder of how rapidly this field is evolving. AI is not only transforming how we design and simulate complex systems—it’s redefining the skillsets and roles that will shape the next generation of careers in science and engineering. The dialogue with fellow experts highlighted the importance of our innovations in AI-powered tools that accelerate simulation and optimization across physics at multiple scales, helping researchers and engineers unlock new possibilities faster than ever before." #APS #Optica #Design #Innovation

Tech Tip Tuesday: Learn how baffles and coatings transform optical performance. Reduce stray light by 84% and boost clarity in telescope systems Explore our recent application gallery article that uses Ansys Speos for comprehensive #StrayLight analysis in Ritchey-Chretien #TelescopeSystem designs. Discover proven workflows for exporting from Zemax OpticStudio, integrating optomechanics, and comparing the impact of baffles versus advanced coatings like #VantaBlack and #MescalitoBlack. See step-by-step simulation setup and learn to optimize #SignalToNoiseRatio for sharper, more accurate imaging. Learn how the right #OpticalDesign choices—like strategic baffle placement and coating selection—can reduce unwanted light by 84.4%, dramatically improving image contrast and efficiency. Leverage tools such as Light Expert for sequence analysis and targeted design changes. Ready to elevate your optical system’s performance? Read the full article: https://ansys.me/4qQFJO0 Share your insights and join the discussion! #Optics #Simulation #CAD #Ansys #Zemax #Creo #Coatings

“These simulations will go in our workflow exactly when we are about to choose those lens components, so very early in the stages of camera development.” — Manuel Sarmento, optical engineer, KEENFINITY Group Next time you're in a stadium, airport, or supermarket, look up…you are likely being watched by advanced IP security cameras. These eyes in the sky have become such a standard part of our lives that we barely notice them. But what makes them so effective across challenging lighting conditions? Companies like KEENFINITY, a Bosch spinoff, are redefining security optics using the revolutionary power of simulation technology. With tools like Ansys Zemax OpticStudio and Ansys Speos, engineers can virtually model light behavior, optimize infrared (IR) illumination, and simulate real-world environments—before a single prototype is built. This simulation-driven approach enables unprecedented precision and efficiency, helping KEENFINITY accelerate product development, reduce costs, and deliver sharper, distortion-free images. By creating digital twins of camera test labs and simulating diverse lighting scenarios, engineers can refine designs early and align them with client needs across dynamic environments such as airports, parking lots, and concert venues. As technologies evolve, simulation tools will continue to drive innovation in miniaturized imaging systems, helping engineers push boundaries—from improving image clarity to optimizing camera size and power efficiency. This paves the way for smarter, more adaptable security systems that ensure safety without compromise. 🎯 The result? Cameras that balance performance, cost, and speed to market, while delivering the reliability today’s public venues demand. Learn how Ansys Optics is accelerating the design of next-gen miniaturized imaging systems. Request a free trial today! https://ansys.me/4i1sTIL #InfraredImaging #SmartSurveillance #KEENFINITY #SecuritySystems #MiniaturizedImaging

Excited to announce that Esteban Carbajal, Senior Product Manager at Ansys part of Synopsys will be presenting at the upcoming Apollo Optical Systems free workshop on mastering polymer optics, alongside leading experts from Apollo Optical Systems! Gain valuable insights into how optical design and simulation—powered by Ansys Zemax OpticStudio, the premier optical design software, can be seamlessly connected with real-world manufacturing to deliver production-ready polymer optics. Don’t miss this chance to learn directly from Esteban and discover strategies for turning your innovative designs into high-performance, scalable optical assemblies. November 13th 2025 - 10:00 AM The Heathman Hotel Kirkland, WA (Seattle area) Register now to secure your spot. https://ansys.me/4hOrGo5 #PolymerOptics #OpticalDesign #ApolloOpticalSystems #AnsyspartofSynopsys #ManufacturingInnovation

Did you miss our Presentation at the 2025 TSMC North America OIP Ecosystem Forum? Tune in to the on-demand presentation by Parya Samadian, Ansys part of Synopsys Senior R&D Engineer, available through the 2025 TSMC North America Online OIP Ecosystem Forum, where she discusses photonic integrated circuits co-design with custom Verilog-A and PDK TMI models for TSMC’s COUPE Silicon Photonics platform. Register here: https://ansys.me/47Hc80L If you are registered for OIP events in other regions (Japan, Taiwan, Europe), please wait for the same presentation to become available in those regional forums. Synopsys has partnered with TSMC to enable the simulation solution for photonic integrated circuits co-design with custom Verilog-A models for TSMC’s COUPE Silicon Photonics platform. This solution leverages Ansys Lumerical’s Layer Builder utility, which allows designers to import encrypted and protected foundry process files directly into Ansys Lumerical simulation tools. This enables designers to efficiently develop components that are both high-performing and fully compliant with TSMC's fabrication process. Once the physical design is complete, Ansys CML Compiler uses the simulation data to automatically generate custom photonic Verilog-A models that are fully compatible with TSMC Modeling Interface (TMI) models. This enables seamless co-design and electro-optical co-simulation with standard PDK components on the Synopsys OptoCompiler platform. Experience the power of Ansys Lumerical photonic design software for yourself, request a free trial today: https://ansys.me/4nChFvq #TSMC #TSMCOIP2025 #ProliferatingAIAdvancements #Photonics #CoPackagedOptics