BeamWise
BeamWise is a set of software tools and related services for the design of biophotonic and other complex optical systems. It is implemented using Design++, a knowledge-based engineering platform that simplifies the capture of in-house engineering expertise and streamlines the integration of legacy systems into design automation and product configuration solutions. BeamWise fills the gap between the optical and mechanical worlds by augmenting CAD tools like AutoCAD and SolidWorks with design rules and a component library, ensuring that beam alignment is maintained as design changes propagate through the system. This design automation system addresses significant challenges in optical system design, such as costly prototype iterations, time-consuming design documentation, and poor predictability of instrument performance, by automating the creation of 3D CAD models and design documentation, including drawings and parts lists.
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LightTools
LightTools is a comprehensive 3D optical engineering and design software that supports virtual prototyping, simulation, optimization, and photorealistic renderings of illumination applications. It enables users to quickly create illumination designs that work right the first time, reducing prototype iterations and accelerating time to market. Key features include sophisticated solid modeling with full optical accuracy, state-of-the-art ray tracing speed with user-controlled accuracy and resolution, and the ability to create light sources from any geometric model for unlimited flexibility. LightTools offers application-specific utilities to help users quickly build complete models, extensive source and materials libraries, including LEDs and BSDF measurements, and robust data exchange support for mechanical CAD data. The software provides an interactive, dynamic link with SOLIDWORKS and includes multiple modules that can be licensed in various configurations to best match user needs.
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FRED
FRED is a comprehensive tool that simulates the propagation of light through optomechanical systems using ray tracing. It supports both coherent and incoherent light propagation and allows users to assign realistic surface properties to every component in a system. Key features include fast and accurate simulation of various light sources, such as lasers, arc lamps, LEDs, ideal emitters, bulbs, and user-defined ray sets. The software offers advanced geometry, scatter, optimization, scripting, and graphic tools, along with fine-grain control of ray trace properties during simulations. It provides comprehensive post-trace analysis features and reports, real-time visualization and editing of complex optical and mechanical systems, and is highly extensible via user-defined scripts. FRED provides core capabilities for propagating light through optomechanical systems.
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SOLIDWORKS
SOLIDWORKS is the industry-standard 3D CAD and product development solution, trusted by millions of designers and engineers worldwide. For over 30 years, SOLIDWORKS has empowered innovators to transform ideas into real, manufacturable products through intuitive modeling, simulation, and collaboration tools. The 2026 release introduces groundbreaking capabilities including AI-powered drawing automation, fastener recognition, and the AURA AI virtual companion. Integrated with the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, it enables seamless cloud collaboration and data-driven decision-making. From startups to global manufacturers, users rely on SOLIDWORKS to accelerate design cycles, improve accuracy, and reduce time to market. It’s the complete ecosystem for taking any product from concept to production.
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