Best Optical Design Software of 2025

Multiphysics software from COMSOL allows you to simulate real-world designs, processes, and devices. Multipurpose simulation software that uses advanced numerical methods. Fully coupled multiphysics and single physics modeling capabilities. The entire modeling process, from geometry to postprocessing. Easy-to-use tools for creating and deploying simulation applications. The COMSOL Multiphysics® software provides a consistent user interface regardless of engineering application or physics phenomena. Add-on modules offer specialized functionality for electromagnetics and structural mechanics. You can choose from a variety of LiveLink™, products to interface with CAD or other third-party software. COMSOL Server™ and COMSOL Compiler™, allow you to deploy simulation applications. This software platform allows you to create simulation applications and physics-based models.

Ansys SPEOS predicts how systems will perform in terms of illumination and optical performance. This saves prototyping time, costs, and improves product efficiency. Ansys SPEOS offers a user interface that is intuitive and comprehensive, enhanced productivity through the use of GPUs to preview simulations and easy access into the Ansys multiphysics ecosystem. The International Commission on Illumination has evaluated SPEOS against CIE 171-2006 test cases. This assessment evaluates the accuracy of light modeling software, and shows the performance benefits of Ansys SPEOS. You can intuitively explore the propagation and light in 3D by turning on the light in the virtual model. SPEOS Live preview functions allow you to design products interactively by combining simulation and rendering capabilities. You can reduce iteration time and speed-up your decision-making by performing simulations correctly, automatically designing optical surfaces, light guides, and optical lenses.

Combining Monte Carlo Ray Tracing, analysis, CAD Import/Export and Optimization methods with a robust macro language, this macro language solves a variety of problems in illumination design. TracePro's 3D CAD interface is easy to use. You can import CAD files or lens designs, or create solid geometry directly. TracePro employs a solid modeling engine that ensures consistent and robust models. TracePro's Ray Tracing Engine is fast and precise. Perfect ray tracing of all surfaces, even imported splines. No missed intersections or "leaky rays". TracePro's Analysis Mode ray-tracing is an extremely powerful tool that creates an interactive environment. Analysis Mode allows you to analyze any surface or object visually and quantitatively.

Ansys Lumerical FDTD, the gold-standard in modeling nanophotonic devices and processes, is the Ansys Lumerical FDTD. The integrated design environment allows for scripting, advanced post-processing and optimization routines. This finely tuned implementation delivers the best-in-class solver performance across a wide range of applications. The integrated design environment allows you to focus on your design while we take care of the rest. Flexible and customizable models and simulations are possible with a variety of benefits. Ansys Lumerical FDT Models nanophotonic devices, processes, and materials so that you can concentrate on creating. Lumerical FDTD, the gold-standard in modeling nanophotonic devices and processes, is the Lumerical FDTD. This carefully crafted implementation of the FDTD method provides reliable, powerful, and scalable solver performance across a wide range of applications.