OptiFDTD 12.0 includes several major enhancements and new features improving design, simulation capabilities, ease of use, and productivity.
New Features in OptiFDTD 12
1.43 MBNEW FEATURE Full 64-bit Software
OptiFDTD has been thoroughly re-engineered to take full advantage of recent processor and memory evolution. Every aspect of OptiFDTD now utilizes 64-bit processing technology for optimal performance.
NEW FEATURE 3D Editor
The new editor improves the design experience by enabling users to visualize and directly edit design objects in three dimensions. Simple mouse operations enable zooming, panning and tumbling within the simulation domain.
Fig 1: The new 3D editor displaying a “T-branch” photonic crystal layout
For more precise positioning and better visualization of hidden geometry, the 3D editor can be replaced by a 4-quadrant window showing three orthographic views (XY, XZ, YZ) and a 3D representation of the layout. The Wireframe Mode can be activated to visualize intersecting objects more precisely.
Fig 2: 4-quadrants editor showing an optimized plasmonic solar-cell design
NEW FEATURE Project Browser
The new project browser enhances productivity by categorizing all components (geometry, input sources, and detectors) into a single window that can be quickly and easily accessed.
Fig 3: Project Browser showing components of a ring resonator
NEW FEATURE Design Tutor
Ideal for beginners, the Design Tutor presents a step-by-step workflow for preparing, designing and simulating photonic components. Each step is explained in detail in the offline help, which is now accessible via the Help menu. This menu also acts as a shortcut for information about common software functions.
Fig 4: Design Tutor
NEW FEATURE Matrix and Mesh Converter
Two new tools were added to the OptiFDTD Toolbox: Matrix Converter and Mesh Converter. The Matrix Converter converts field data to a format compatible with external software tools (such as Matlab and Origin). The mesh converter converts an OptiBPM output field to an OptiFDTD input field.
NEW FEATURE 3D Refractive Index Viewer
The new 3D refractive index and optical field viewers provide users with a more detailed and real-time view of the data. Non-uniform FDTD meshes can also be visualized.
Fig 5: Refractive index viewer showing a slice of an optimized plasmonic solar-cell
NEW FEATURE OptiFDTD Analyzer
The analyzer’s graphical user interface has been enhanced with the introduction of a Project Browser and 3D Editor to provide a better user experience. An improved detector analysis window also gives users a more detailed visualization of the simulation data.
Fig 6: Observation Area DFT analysis of a 2D TE coupler/splitter
NEW FEATURE OptiMode Improvements
OptiMode’s Transparent Boundary Conditions (TBC) can now be used in the Finite Difference (FD) mode solver. The accuracy of the mode solver solutions is important for leaky waveguides and structures with high-index contrast. The solver’s graphical user interface has been re- designed to include enhanced visualization graphs along with tools for easier interaction.
