Mathematica add-ons

Wolfram Research today announced LensLab and Rayica 2, new third-party Mathematica add-ons that bring flexibility, speed, and functionality to the design and analysis of sophisticated 3D optical systems. Wolfram says the add-ons bring a variety of new functions, including--but not limited to--optical instruments, optical sensors and measurement systems, lasers, fiber optic communication systems, and optical disc systems. Rayica ($1,500) gives scientists fine granularity and more control than possible with other programs for modeling innovative optical instruments, such as aspherical lenses, optical fibers, resonating cavities, and custom surfaces, featuring over 6800 predefined commercial optical parts and custom element design using symbolic equations. LensLab ($500) offers an entry-level ray-tracing package intended for students, educators, and professionals and enables the evaluation and optimization of alternative system designs. Both require Mathematica 4.2 and are available immediately.

by MacNN Staff