LightTools 7.0 is the latest release of the illumination design and analysis software from Optical Research Associates (ORA). LightTools 7.0 supports Windows 7 and delivers expanded capabilities for both model construction and system analysis. With the software, complex light source models can be created from any geometric object, including those generated in LightTools using Boolean operations on basic shapes, or imported from other CAD software, such as SolidWorks, using the LightTools SolidWorks Link Module. The ability to make any object a source provides an appreciable advantage to designers of infrared imaging systems in particular. LightTools’ ray tracing and analysis functionality has been extended and improved, providing backward ray tracing for illuminance, intensity, and spatial and angular luminance meshes to deliver faster and more efficient simulations for many models. A new “smart output” smoothing algorithm reduces statistical noise in these calculations, enabling analysis with higher accuracy and greater speed that proves to be especially effective with color calculations. LightTools 7.0 also adds a Color Rendering Index (CRI) calculation capability to aid designers of LEDs and luminaires. In addition, the software features an enhanced ray report that identifies where energy losses occur in a model. Designers of solar energy systems will benefit from enhancements to LightTools’ Solar Tracking Utility. LightTools 7.0 also adds the ability to optimize Fresnel lenses, such as those used in solar energy applications and a variety of illumination systems. For more information, visit ORA. Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company's website.
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