Optical Simulation
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Offering type ?
PRODUCT:
Component or system, which is commercialized. It is available for ordering multiple pieces and liability is assumed by the provider/seller. Necessary certification of the product was obtained (e.g. CE certification). The product sheet and/or conditions of use are defined.
PROTOTYPE:
Component or system, which has been successfully tested under real or real-like conditions. The prototype is not commercialized as the main purpose is to use it for demonstration and experimentation, including user and market acceptance.
TECHNICAL SERVICE:
Tools and processes and its combination, which are necessary to prepare and test prototypes or products.
- Service
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Market
- AR/VR/MR
- Automotive
- Lighting
- Optical instrumentation
- Security & Branding
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Manufacturing Pillar
- Wafer-scale
- Roll-2-Plate
- Roll-2-Roll
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Technology
- Other
JOANNEUM RESEARCH delivers tailored optical solutions using ray tracing, FDTD, and proprietary multiscale algorithms. Our unique freeform micro-optics and metaoptics expertise enables innovations from large-scale illumination to advanced nanophotonic devices.
Offering Description
At JOANNEUM RESEARCH Materials, we specialize in high-precision optical simulation, design, and optimization. Our expertise spans multiple complementary techniques:
Ray Tracing – Using commercial tools (ASAP, ZEMAX) and proprietary MATLAB algorithms, we model complex refractive systems with up to 100,000 surfaces, realistic light sources, and customizable material properties. Millions of rays are traced within minutes, enabling accurate analysis of system efficiency, irradiance, and radiance distributions.
FDTD – With Lumerical FDTD Solutions, we simulate full-wave optical effects. This method is ideal for nanophotonic and micro-optical components such as DOEs, HOEs, plasmonic structures, and metamaterials, with advanced material models and robust post-processing.
Multiscale Simulation – For devices containing both refractive and diffractive elements, we bridge the gap between RT and FDTD using in-house algorithms. This enables accurate simulation of large, complex systems that cannot be fully covered by a single method.
Freeform Micro-Optical Structures – As one of our unique core competencies, we use self-developed design algorithms to create scalable microstructures with optical functionalities comparable to conventional freeform optics. This enables highly customized light distributions, reduced material usage, and innovative integration possibilities. Designs are compatible with cost-effective fabrication methods such as grayscale lithography, step-and-repeat, and roll-to-roll nanoimprint—truly “printing optics like newspapers.”
Metaoptics – We design and simulate next-generation metasurfaces for ultra-compact, multifunctional optical elements, seamlessly integrating them into broader optical systems.
This unique combination of methods, proprietary design and simulation algorithms, and decades of experience allows us to deliver tailored, application-specific solutions for almost any optical challenge—from large-scale illumination systems to cutting-edge nanophotonic devices.
Offering Specifications
