Implementation of FORMIDABLE: A generalized differential optical design library with NURBS capabilities

Abstract

In this article we describe the implementation of Freeform Optics Raytracer with Manufacturable Imaging Design cApaBiLitiEs (FORMIDABLE): an optical design library capable of simulating optical systems by ray-tracing. Optical performance can be quantified and optimised using third-party optimisation algorithms. Compared to available commercial optical design software and similarly to fast accurate NURBS optimization (FANO), our code can simulate and optimise Non-uniform rational B-Spline (NURBS). It also implements generalized differential capabilities that allows faster convergence compared to state-of-the-art. The implementation of FORMIDABLE and its innovative capabilities are described and illustrated with a representative case-study. The source code is available to eligible third-parties under the ECSL licence.

Keywords

• optics
• freeform
• optical design