What is FRED?
FRED Optical Engineering Software is a globally recognized optomechanical raytracing software used by companies, government, and universities in the development of optical systems used for straylight analysis, laser systems, LED / illumination system design and imaging systems. FRED was designed to be a general purpose ray-tracing tool, featuring an intuitive CAD-style user interface that simplifies the handling of optomechanical models of varying complexity. Moreover, it boasts the capability to propagate both coherent and incoherent light while allowing for the realistic assignment of surface properties to each constituent element within a system. This comprehensive approach ensures ease of use and accuracy in optical system simulations
Feature Overview
- GPU raytrace - over 100x faster than multi-threaded CPU raytrace calculations
- 3D graphical interface for model rendering, construction and verification
- Import lens data from lens design software such as Zemax, CODE V, OSLO
- Import lens data from lens design software such as Zemax, CODE V, OSLO
- Non-sequential and sequential ray tracing
- Latest catalog data (glasses, optical components, etc.)
- Coherent Beam propagation (laser, interference, diffraction, polarisation)
- Multivariable optimiser
- Tolerancing analysis
- Multithreading using up to 63 threads
- Distributed calculation function on unlimited PCs
- Built-in BASIC Scripting
Applications
Stray Light Analysis
- Imaging systems, Cameras, Astronomical Telescopes
- Ghosts, Flares
- Optomechanical Modeling
- Scatter
- Surface Roughness / Contamination
- UV to long-wave IR
- Thermal self-emission analysis
Illumination Design
- Lightpipe design
- Freeform optics
- LED Display
- Projectors
- Fluorescence
Optical Instrument Design
- Interferometers
- Spectrometers
- Diffractometers
- Sensors
- Solar Concentrators
Laser Systems
- Fiber Coupling
- Wavefront Correctors
- Polarisation converters
- Laser line generator
Automobile
- Heads Up Display System
- LiDAR
- Infrared Camera
Biomedical
- Human Tissue / Skin scatter
- Endoscopes
- Human Eye Models
FRED software is a robust solution for designing and analyzing optical systems, specializing in areas like stray light management, LED modeling, and beyond. Its adaptability makes it valuable across industries including aerospace, automotive, and medical devices. Discover in-depth examples and applications to learn how FRED can enhance your projects.
Learn More About FRED Applications
Why FRED?
Comprehensive Optical Design
FRED provides a complete suite of tools for designing and analyzing complex optical systems. It allows engineers to optimize designs for performance and efficiency.
Ray Tracing and Optical Analysis
FRED utilizes advanced ray tracing techniques to simulate the propagation of light through optical systems accurately. Allows users to analyze various optical properties, such as beam propagation, image quality, polarization effects, and more.
Versatility and Flexibility
FRED is a versatile software for diverse optical applications. Used in imaging, aerospace, lasers, illumination design, and more. Supports sequential and non-sequential ray tracing for various configurations.
Advanced Simulation Capabilities
FRED offers advanced ray tracing and wavefront analysis, enabling engineers to accurately simulate and visualize light propagation in their optical systems. This helps in identifying and resolving potential issues before manufacturing.
Time Efficiency
FRED's intuitive interface and efficient algorithms enable engineers to quickly iterate through design variations, saving time in the design process and accelerating the development timeline.
Training and Support
Comprehensive training resources and dedicated customer support is available so that users have access to the knowledge and assistance needed to maximize their productivity and proficiency with the software.
Unmatched Capabilities of FRED Optical Engineering Software
FRED Optical Engineering Software stands out for its powerful features tailored for advanced optical simulations. The table below highlights some of FRED’s core strengths and advantages, especially when compared to competing software in the industry. Each feature showcases FRED’s specialized capabilities in areas such as stray light analysis, ray tracing, laser system design, and complex system modeling.
| Feature | FRED Strengths | Advantage Over Competitors |
|---|---|---|
| Stray Light Analysis | Advanced tools for analyzing ray paths and causes of stray light. Multiple scatter models and importance sampling for an accurate model of surface and volume scatter. | Competitors' software is less specialized for stray light simulations |
| Ray Tracing | Multi-threaded CPU raytrace up to 127 cores. Distributed Computing capability (unlimited nodes). No fundamental limit to the number of rays that can be traced. GPU raytracing (FREDmpc) | More raytracing power means higher precision in modeling complex optomechanical systems. |
| Laser System Design | Simulation of the propagation of coherent fields by “Complex Raytracing” - an inherently non-sequential technique that includes diffraction and interference effects. | Better accuracy and modeling flexibility for laser propagation simulations compared to competitors |
| Custom Scripting | High level of customization through scripting using the built-in BASIC scripting language. Also possible to connect to/from Python, Matlab, or VB. | Scripting flexibility, and ease of use, allows for customized automations |
| Complex Optical Systems | Handles highly complex optomechanical systems of unlimited size | Ensures accurate virtual prototyping of the real-world model |
FRED Standard
FRED standard equips users with essential capabilities to propagate both coherent and incoherent light within opto-mechanical systems, along with the flexibility to assign authentic surface and material properties to every system component.
FRED stands as a robust software solution with diverse applications, including but not limited to stray light analysis, laser applications, illumination, non-imaging optics, multi-wavelength systems, and a multitude of other optical engineering tasks.
FRED Optimum
FRED Optimum builds upon the foundation of FRED Standard, offering enhanced capabilities tailored for the analysis of intricate opto-mechanical systems. With multi-threaded raytrace that can run on up to 127 cores, FRED Optimum ensures rapid and accurate simulations. Moreover, it introduces distributed computing capabilities, allowing calculations to be seamlessly shared across a distributed network of computers, enhancing computational efficiency.
Additionally, FRED Optimum features a versatile multi-variable optimizer equipped with various local and pseudo-global algorithms, enabling users to fine-tune optical designs for optimal performance. It also offers tools for parameter sensitivity analysis, a comprehensive system configurations manager, and parameter pickups to streamline design exploration. FRED Optimum is the ultimate choice for those seeking comprehensive and advanced optical engineering capabilities.
FRED mpc
The latest version of FRED - FREDmpc is a general-purpose optical engineering software that performs the raytrace using GPUs. Calculation speeds of FREDmpc can be over 100 times faster than conventional CPU based raytracing! FREDmpc also excels in comprehensive raypath reporting for precise stray light analysis. Furthermore, you have the flexibility to boost performance by stacking GPUs or utilizing distributed calculations, granting you access to virtually limitless computing power. Whether you're designing cutting-edge optical devices or exploring innovative optical-mechanical interactions, FREDmpc empowers you to speed up product development and reach your market faster.
FRED Userbase
FRED is used in companies, universities and research laboratories worldwide.
Below is a list of some of these who have published papers related to FRED.
About Photon Engineering
Founded in 1997 Photon Engineering is an optical engineering software and consulting firm, and are the creators of industry-leading raytracing software FRED.
CBS Europe is the exclusive distributor of FRED in Ireland, Germany, France, Italy, Switzerland, and Austria.
