Source Types

This page describes the different types of sources available when designing an optical lens.

The source corresponds to the source that is used to illuminate the optical lens. In the interface, 3 types of sources are available.

• A Punctual source is a simplified source that emits light from a single point.

• An Extended source is used to emit light from a surface. To use this option, a source geometry (light bulb, LED, surface) must already exist or be created.

  With an extended source, the source images are available in the feature viewer.

• A Directional source determines the direction of the rays by selecting a line in the interface. The light source is considered as perfectly collimated before interacting with the lens.

  When selecting a directional source, a refractive index is required. This refractive index refers to the medium from which rays are coming. In most cases, this medium corresponds to the air, but if rays are coming through a different medium, you should apply the material's refractive index here.

  For example, if you want to create a lens on top of a plexiglass (PMMA) block, you need to apply the refractive index of the PMMA instead of the refractive index of the air.

  With a directional source, source images are not available and cannot be displayed in the feature viewer.

  

The line indicates the light direction and is considered as collimated by the reflectors.