How can I model an extended source, or a source with a complex structure?
In sequential systems ZEMAX only models point sources. The usual approach is to select several representative points on the extended source, and then design for maximum performance at those points. The variation in imaging properties over the field of view is generally slow enough to be adequately modeled with a few discrete points. You can however test the extended object imaging properties of a system in a very general way using the Geometric Image Analysis capability. See the “Analysis menu” chapter in the ZEMAX online manual for a complete discussion of the Geometric Image Analysis feature. In non-sequential systems ZEMAX can model sources at any x,y,z coordinates in the non-sequential system. The approach is to select the appropriate source using pre-defined source objects, ray files, or DLLs. The only analysis available when using non-sequential sources is the ray distribution and energy on non-sequential detectors in the non-sequential group. Detector options include irradiance,
