Article Abstracts | March 2005
The complete article appears in the March 2005 issue of Photonics Spectra. If you do not have a copy of this issue,
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CAD Integration Opens Up
Optical Design Possibilities
The next step beyond interoperability: Integrating optical design with CAD software enables virtual prototyping and information sharing throughout the design and production process.
by Jean-Baptiste Haumonte and Jean-Claude Venturino, Optis
The worlds of computer-aided design (CAD), manufacturing and engineering have gradually welcomed simulation tools enabling the modeling of mechanics, machining, thermal effects, motion dynamics, vibration and acoustic phenomena, but until now optical simulation has been left to evolve independently. And yet this information-sharing opportunity gives engineers the chance to participate in a broad collaborative work space, considerably raising their level of knowledge about the system they are designing.
They can produce unlimited virtual prototypes that enable them to simulate multiple "what if" scenarios and that optimize their final design choices. The integration of simulation capabilities into the CAD world brings creativity and knowledge for the whole community...
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