TracePro streamlines the prototype-to-manufacturing process for optical and illumination systems using its Interactive Optimizer. Different from traditional optimizers, TracePro offers easy-to-use and unique capabilities to interactively monitor and control the process every step of the way.

TracePro 7 Image with optimizer

TIR LED system as modeled in TracePro using the 2D interactive optimizer

You can interactively sketch a starting design using line, spline, or conic segments. Then, establish a merit function using many different operand types including flux, CIE (x,y), CIE (u,v), irradiance pattern, candela profile, uniformity, spot size, and others. Each operand can be used in combination with any other operand. The merit function uses weights to balance the multiple operands based on the desired target performance.

You can also employ TracePro’s powerful Scheme language to supplement the created geometry, modify optical properties for each surface and the solid object, and control the positioning of solid objects. The object function allows you to move objects and modify control points and segments into place using the drag-and-drop interface.

Each variable can be visually checked before, during, and after optimization. Lastly, the entire design can be verified and improved using an interactive ray-trace. Validate the final design iteration in TracePro to ensure the product’s performance requirements can be met.


TracePro’s interactive optimizer uses the Downhill Simplex method, also known as Nelder-Mead method, for optimization. The Downhill Simplex method is a local optimizer that converges to the local minimum solution closest to the starting point. During an optimization, you have complete control of the process and can monitor the interim solutions. You can stop the optimizer and change the initial starting parameters, then re-start the optimization. This allows you to control the process and test for better solutions in less time.

The TracePro Interactive Optimizer can be used for a variety of applications, including:

  • LED lens design
  • Diffuser and Reflective Surface Property Selection
  • Lightpipe optimization
  • Streetlamp optimization
  • Luminaire optimization
  • Baffle design
  • Surface property verification and selection