Robust error estimation in optical analysis software using subdivided and recombined ray traces

David G. Jenkins; Eric C. Fest

doi:10.1117/12.681187

5 September 2006 Robust error estimation in optical analysis software using subdivided and recombined ray traces

David G. Jenkins, Eric C. Fest

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 6289, Novel Optical Systems Design and Optimization IX; 62890O (2006) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.681187
Event: SPIE Optics + Photonics, 2006, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

It is often necessary in optical analysis software to trace millions of rays in order to determine flux transfer, color chromaticity, and the distributions of intensity, irradiance, or radiance onto one or more targets. The key question of "have I traced enough rays?" cannot be answered unless the statistical error in the final simulated result is below some measurement criteria; for instance, if you are to determine irradiance uniformity to less than 1%, having a 2% statistical error across the target will wash out what you are trying to analyze. Some optical analysis software packages do not provide error estimation methods, while others use error estimation algorithms having assumptions that are not valid for all cases. This paper describes how subdividing and recombining raytraces provides a robust method for estimating error. We will show that this error estimation technique can be used with most optical analysis packages and we will compare it with algorithms employed currently. Example systems will be analyzed and presented.

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David G. Jenkins and Eric C. Fest "Robust error estimation in optical analysis software using subdivided and recombined ray traces", Proc. SPIE 6289, Novel Optical Systems Design and Optimization IX, 62890O (5 September 2006); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.681187

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