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Optica
Donald Barnhart
Loughborough University
Download talk material:
Optica is a geometric ray-tracing package for
Mathematica that can be
used to design and analyze both simple and complex optical systems. In
addition to Optica's
built-in library of lenses, mirrors, prisms, and gratings, new
components can be created
and existing ones modified with "genetic building blocks,"
Optica's
component-structuring language. New user-interface advancements to
Optica such as
palettes and an online help guide are also currently underway.
Scientists and engineers who are developing equipment and experimental
setups involving
optics will find Optica a useful tool for determining component
specifications and
system layouts. Optica enables evaluation and optimization of
alternative system
designs before capital expenditures on equipment are made. The
high-quality graphics
generated by Optica can be used directly in blueprints, grant
proposals, and
research reports.
Optica is also useful for educational purposes, providing a
foundation for Mathematica-based
courseware in optics. Optica enables computer-based laboratory
experiments, in some
cases replacing physical experiments and circumventing exposure to
hazardous laser
emissions and use of fragile or expensive laboratory equipment. By
using Optica,
students can conduct experiments in optics with greater flexibility and
precision and in
less time than is required using physical hardware. In other cases,
Optica can be
used to supplement the laboratory experience to help students gain
greater insights into
physical experiments.
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