Rayica and LensLab Bring the Next Generation of Optical Design to Mathematica

February 28, 2006--A powerful new generation of optical design software for Mathematica is now available from Wolfram Research with today's release of LensLab and Rayica 2. These third-party Mathematica add-ons bring unprecedented flexibility, speed, and functionality to the design and analysis of sophisticated 3D optical systems, such as optical instruments, optical sensors and measurement systems, lasers, fiber optic communication systems, and optical disc systems.

Rayica gives scientists fine granularity and more control than other programs for modeling innovative optical instruments, including aspherical lenses, optical fibers, resonating cavities, and custom surfaces. The package features over 6800 predefined commercial optical parts and makes it easy for users to define new elements with their own symbolic equations.

LensLab offers similar design capabilities within an entry-level ray-tracing package intended for students, educators, and professionals. In addition to developing equipment and experimental setups to determine optical component specifications and system layouts, LensLab enables the evaluation and optimization of alternative system designs. The package enriches the laboratory experience for both professionals and students by providing greater insights into their physical experiments.

Key features of Rayica and LensLab include:

• Sequential and non-sequential ray tracing in 3D space
• Built-in optical components, including predefined lenses, mirrors, prisms, and light sources
• Arbitrary user-defined optical surface profiles of any shape
• Symbolic parameterization of optical system characteristics
• Energy calculations, including models of gain and absorption

Both application packages integrate with Mathematica and leverage their functionality alongside its robust repertoire of symbolic, numeric, and graphical capabilities. Users can create models, perform high-level analysis, and produce professional-quality blueprints or reports all within a single software environment.

Through May 28, 2006, customers can take advantage of an introductory 20% discount^* on the price of Rayica or LensLab.

Developed and supported by Optica Software, Rayica and LensLab require Mathematica 4.2 or higher and are compatible with all Mathematica platforms.

More product details are available on the Rayica and LensLab websites.

* Offer valid only in the U.S. and Canada. Discount does not apply to educational, student, or government purchases.