LightTools
3D optical design software to create, analyze, and optimize illumination designs
About LightTools
LightTools is a 3D illumination design and analysis application for virtual prototyping, Monte Carlo simulation, optimization, and photorealistic rendering of optical systems such as LED luminaires, backlights, light guides, automotive lamps, and projection optics. Originally developed by Optical Research Associates and later sold by Synopsys, it has been part of Keysight Technologies since Keysight completed its acquisition of the Synopsys Optical Solutions Group in October 2025. It is sold as modular licenses through a quote-based sales process.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Models a wide range of physical effects, including scatter, polarization, dispersion, phosphors, and gradient-index materials, for realistic simulation results
- Built-in optimization searches for designs that meet illumination targets instead of relying on manual iteration
- Direct interoperability with CODE V and SOLIDWORKS plus standard CAD formats fits existing optomechanical workflows
- Application-specific tools for light guides, backlights, automotive lamps, and AR waveguides reduce setup work
- Modular licensing lets teams pay only for the analysis capabilities they need
- Long track record in illumination engineering, now backed by Keysight's design software portfolio
Cons
- No public pricing; every module requires a sales quote, and traditional licensing can carry high upfront and maintenance costs
- Steep learning curve given the depth of the feature set
- Accurate results depend on careful definition of source models and input geometry
- Desktop engineering software rather than a browser-based tool, with collaboration handled outside the application
- The 2025 move from Synopsys to Keysight may mean changes to licensing, support contacts, and documentation locations
Key Features
3D Solid Modeling and Ray Tracing
The Core Module provides 3D solid modeling and interactive ray tracing, and is required by every other module.
Monte Carlo Illumination Analysis
The Illumination Module runs Monte Carlo ray tracing to compute intensity, luminance, and illuminance across a design.
Automated Optimization
The Optimization Module searches for a design that meets user-defined illumination performance criteria.
Freeform Optics Design
The Advanced Design Module models reflective and refractive freeform optics for complex lighting geometries.
Advanced Physics Modeling
Simulates polarization, scatter, refraction, dispersion, color filtering, phosphors, gradient-index materials, and user-defined optical properties.
CAD Interoperability
The Data Exchange Module imports and exports IGES, STEP, SAT, CATIA, and Parasolid files, and the SOLIDWORKS Link Module links live SOLIDWORKS models.
CODE V Integration
Exchanges lens data with CODE V for shared illumination, ghost image, and stray light analysis.
Distributed Simulation
Spreads Monte Carlo ray-tracing jobs across multiple computers, and the 2026 release adds GPU-accelerated forward ray tracing.
AR Waveguide Designer
Application-specific tooling for designing near-eye display waveguides for AR headsets.
MetaOptic Design
Characterizes gratings and meta-optics using the RSoft Photonic Device Tools BSDF formulation.
Pricing
- Core Module required as the base
- Add-on modules (Illumination, Optimization, Advanced Design, Advanced Physics, and more) priced separately
- Pricing through Keysight's Get Quote process
Best For
Automotive Lighting
Design and verify interior and exterior vehicle lamps, light guides, and signal lighting against photometric targets.
Display Backlights and Light Guides
Optimize LCD backlights and light-guide extraction patterns for uniform luminance.
LED Luminaires
Model LED sources, phosphors, and secondary optics to predict illuminance and color performance before prototyping.
AR Near-Eye Displays
Design waveguide-based near-eye displays with the AR Waveguide Designer.
Stray Light Analysis
Find ghost images, flare, and stray light paths in optical systems, alongside CODE V imaging designs.
