Compare TracePro Editions
TracePro, by Lambda Research Corporation, is stray light and illumination analysis software available in three editions: TracePro LC, TracePro Standard and TracePro Expert. Every edition runs the same Monte Carlo ray-tracing engine on true 3D solid-model geometry; the editions differ in the property models, analysis outputs and tools they include. Not sure which fits? Contact us and we will recommend one.
TracePro LC
The entry edition: CAD import and solid modeling, standard surface and material properties, every source type, Monte Carlo ray tracing with ray splitting, and the core photometric and radiometric analysis outputs.
TracePro Standard
Adds the Scheme macro language, recorder and editor, interactive optimization, importance sampling, asymmetric scatter models, and advanced properties such as diffraction, bulk scatter, GRIN, thin film stacks and polarization.
TracePro Expert
Everything in Standard plus RepTile surfaces, temperature distributions, birefringence, wire grid polarizers, fluorescence, direction-sensitive properties, texture optimization and the Fluorescence Property Generator.
| Feature | LC | Standard | Expert |
|---|---|---|---|
| Features | |||
| User-friendly CAD interface | |||
| Scheme macro language, recorder and editor | – | ||
| Material, surface, lens, lamp and LED catalogs of commercially available glass, plastics, metals, anodized surfaces, paints, lamps and LEDs | |||
| Interactive optimization | – | ||
| Solid modeling | |||
| CAD importers for popular CAD programs | |||
| Lens design importers for popular optical design programs | |||
| RayViz for SOLIDWORKS compatibility | |||
| CAD features including solid modeling, Boolean operations, 3D interactive view, 3D rendered, silhouette, wireframe and measurements | |||
| CAD translators for import and export of STEP, IGES and SAT | |||
| Properties | |||
| Surface property modeling including absorption, reflection, refraction, scatter off any surface and bulk absorption | |||
| Diffraction, bulk scatter, GRIN, thin film stacks, polarization, diffractive optical elements (DOEs), diffraction gratings, temperature-dependent and anisotropic properties | – | ||
| Repetitive Tile (RepTile) surfaces, temperature distributions, birefringence, wire grid polarizers, fluorescence and direction-sensitive properties | – | – | |
| Scatter models | Symmetric | Symmetric and asymmetric | Symmetric and asymmetric |
| Sources | |||
| Grid sources | |||
| Surface sources | |||
| Blackbody and graybody sources | |||
| File sources using ray files | |||
| Image sources | |||
| Ray trace | |||
| Monte Carlo ray tracing with ray splitting | |||
| Simulation mode (single or multiple exit surfaces) and analysis mode (interactive results) | |||
| Importance sampling | – | ||
| Analysis | |||
| Irradiance/illuminance and candela (intensity) maps for photometric and radiometric output, CIE (x,y), CIE (u,v) and true color plots | |||
| 3D irradiance maps, photorealistic rendering and luminance/radiance maps | |||
| Flux, ray history, ensquared energy and path sorting | |||
| Polarization maps, volume flux, OPL and time-of-flight reports | – | ||
| Tools | |||
| Surface Property Generator | |||
| Source Builder | |||
| IES/LDT plots | |||
| Texture optimization | – | – | |
| Fluorescence Property Generator | – | – | |
| Solar Emulator | |||
| Analysis Toolkit | |||
| Lighting Toolkit | |||
Not sure which edition fits your work?
Try TracePro on your own geometry, or tell us what you are designing and we will recommend an edition.
Request a Trial Contact UsFrequently asked questions
What is the difference between TracePro LC, Standard and Expert?
All three editions share the same CAD-based solid modeling, source types and Monte Carlo ray-tracing engine. TracePro LC covers core illumination and analysis work. TracePro Standard adds the Scheme macro language, interactive optimization, importance sampling and the advanced property models. TracePro Expert adds RepTile surfaces, birefringence, fluorescence, temperature distributions and texture optimization. The table above lists every feature by edition.
Which edition do I need for stray light analysis?
Ray history, path sorting and flux reports are included in every edition. Importance sampling, which is used to find faint stray-light paths efficiently, is in TracePro Standard and TracePro Expert, so quantitative stray-light work usually starts with Standard. Contact us if you would like a recommendation for your system.
Which CAD and lens design files can TracePro import?
Every edition reads and writes STEP, IGES and SAT, includes importers for popular CAD and optical design programs, and supports RayViz for SOLIDWORKS.
Do all editions use the same ray-tracing engine?
Yes. Monte Carlo ray tracing with ray splitting, simulation mode and analysis mode are in TracePro LC, Standard and Expert. The editions differ in property models, analysis outputs and tools, not in the ray trace itself.
How do I try TracePro before buying?
Use the Request a Trial button on this page. If you already know which edition you need, request a quote instead.