Optics simulations

To simulate the beam path in optical instruments and to calculate light propagation and scattering in inhomogeneous media, we use a variety of mainly proprietary software:

• Ray-tracing (ZEMAX)
• Wave optical simulation (especially for chromatic confocal optics)
• Solutions of the Maxwell's equations
• Solutions of the transport equation
• Solution of the diffusion equation

Microoptics

Wherever possible, we design new optics in micro-optical construction to save space and costs. Prototypes can be produced directly using a 2-photon lithography system and can be functionally characterized with our measuring equipment. Refractive, diffractive and hybrid components can be realized, e.g. aspheres, Fresnel lenses, prisms. In the near future, micro-optics can also be printed directly on light guide ends.

Materialoptik

The calculation of light propagation in an object (e.g. tooth crown) or a medium (e.g. fog) requires knowledge of the optical properties (absorption and scattering coefficient, scattering phase function). These are rarely known. For this reason, the ILM has built specialised measurement set-ups for their determination. Phantoms with defined optical properties were developed for their verification and are now available as test standards.