LaserCAD—A Novel Parametric, Python-Based Optical Design Software
Source abstract
Abstract
In this article, we present LaserCAD, an open-source, script-based software toolkit for the design and visualization of optical setups based on parametric ray tracing. Unlike conventional commercial tools, which focus on complex lens optimization and offer dense GUIs with extensive parameters, LaserCAD is tailored for fast, intuitive modeling of laser beam paths and opto-mechanical assemblies with minimal setup overhead. Written in Python, it allows users to describe optical systems in a language close to geometrical optics, using simple commands with sensible defaults for most parameters. Optical elements can be automatically positioned including the required mounts. As a graphical backend, FreeCAD renders 3D models of all components for interactive visualization and post-processing. LaserCAD supports integration with other simulation tools and can automate the creation of alignment aids for 3D printing. This makes it especially suitable for rapid prototyping and lab-ready designs.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline
Research context
OpenAlex topics: Advanced optical system design · Adaptive optics and wavefront sensing · Advanced Optical Imaging Technologies
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
Institute of Optics and Quantum Electronics, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Max Wien Platz 1, 07743 Jena, Germany
Helmholtz Institute Jena, Fröbelstieg 3, 07743 Jena, Germany
Funding
EU’s HORIZON EUROPE · Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung
References (30)
Show source-provided references
1. Myers, J., Caron, C., Helaly, N., Wei, Z., Oh, J., Gotobed, Z., Yabe, K., and Niffenegger, R.J. (2025). Qubit Operations Using a Modular Optical System Engineered with PyOpticL: A Code-to-CAD Optical Layout Tool. arXiv.
2. Three-Dimensional Computation of Laser Cavity Eigenmodes by the Use of Finite Element Analysis (FEA)10.1364/AO.43.001892 ↗
3. Livrozet, M., Gronloh, B., Faidel, H., Luttmann, J., and Hoffmann, D. (April, January 30). Optical and Optomechanical Design of the MERLIN Laser Optical Bench. Proceedings of the SPIE—The International Society for Optical Engineering, Volume 11852, Laser Technology, Online.
4. Design of Multi-Beam Optics for High Throughput Parallel Processing10.2351/1.5125778 ↗
5. Ansys, Inc (Zemax OpticStudio User’s Guide, 2025). Zemax OpticStudio User’s Guide, Version 2025 R2.
6. Photon Engineering (FRED User Manual, 2025). FRED User Manual, Version 2025.1.
7. COMSOL Inc (COMSOL Multiphysics User’s Guide, 2022). COMSOL Multiphysics User’s Guide, Version 6.1.
8. Wolfram Research (Optica, 2025). Optica, Version 2.0.
9. Anschütz, C. (2025, July 21). LaserCAD (Python Package for Optical Setups), Version 1.0.0 GitHub. Available online: https://github.com/klee-mens/LaserCAD.
10. Python Software Foundation (2025, July 21). Python Language Reference Manual, Version 3.12. Available online: https://www.python.org.
11. Array programming with NumPy10.1038/s41586-020-2649-2 ↗
12. Matplotlib: A 2D graphics environment10.1109/MCSE.2007.55 ↗
13. FreeCAD Team (2025, July 21). FreeCAD, Version 0.22; FreeCAD Project. Available online: https://www.freecad.org/.
14. (2025, July 22). Thorlabs Inc.: Newton, NJ, United States. KS2: Ø2” Precision Kinematic Mirror Mount, 3 Adjusters. Available online: https://www.thorlabs.de/thorproduct.cfm?partnumber=KS2.
15. (2025, July 22). Thorlabs Inc.: Newton, NJ, United States. PH1E: Ø1/2” Pedestal Post Holder, Spring-Loaded Hex-Locking. Available online: https://www.thorlabs.de/thorproduct.cfm?partnumber=PH1E.
16. Quantum mechanical foundations of classical mechanics10.1109/3.108113 ↗
17. Träger, F. (2012). Geometrical Optics. Springer Handbook of Lasers and Optics, Springer.10.1007/978-3-642-19409-2 ↗
18. Meschede, D. (2005). Optik, Licht und Laser, B. G. Teubner Verlag.10.1007/978-3-663-10954-9 ↗
19. Pharr, M., Humphreys, G., and Jakob, W. (2017). Physically Based Rendering: From Theory to Implementation, Morgan Kaufmann. [3rd ed.].
20. Propagation of laser beams10.1364/AO.5.001550 ↗
21. Derivation of ABCD law for Laguerre-Gaussian beams
22. Körner, M., Kränkel, C., Kalms, M., Görtz, M., and Moiseev, S. (2018). Compact Aberration-Free Relay-Imaging Multi-Pass Layouts for High-Energy Laser Amplifiers. J. Phys. Conf. Ser., 1058.
23. (2025, July 21). Thorlabs Inc.: Newton, NJ, United States. POLARIS-K1: Polaris® Ø1” Mirror Mount. Available online: https://www.thorlabs.com/thorProduct.cfm?partnumber=POLARIS-K1.
24. (2025, July 21). Thorlabs Inc.: Newton, NJ, United States. KS1: Ø1” Precision Kinematic Mirror Mount. Available online: https://www.thorlabs.com/thorproduct.cfm?partnumber=KS1.
25. Chirped pulse amplification10.1016/0030-4018(85)90120-8 ↗
26. Matrix Formalism for Pulse Compressors
27. Zhuang, H. (2023). Benchmarking of the New Implemented Ray Tracing and Optic Design Software LaserCAD. [Master’s Thesis, Friedrich Schiller University Jena].
28. DIVIO (2025, July 21). The Documentation System. Available online: https://docs.divio.com/documentation-system/.
29. QUADOA GmbH (QUADOA Optical CAD, User Manual, 2025). QUADOA Optical CAD, User Manual, Version 24.08.
30. OpticSpy Developers (2025, July 21). Lightpipes (Python Optical Modeling Library). OpticSpy Project. Available online: https://opticspy.github.io/lightpipes/.