Focus on software, data acquisition, and instrumentation
The descriptions of the new products listed in this section are based on information supplied to us by the manufacturers. PT can assume no responsibility for their accuracy. For more information about a particular product, visit the website at the end of its description. Please send all new product submissions to ptpub@aip.org .
Optical and illumination design software
Lambda Research has released TracePro 2025.3, the latest version of its TracePro software that provides a versatile design, analysis, and simulation environment for illumination systems and nonimaging aspects of optical systems. In addition to updates and fixes that improve stability, accuracy, and workflow efficiency, the 2025.3 version introduces a powerful new capability: support for simulating metasurfaces using PlanOpSim ray-tracing files. Those files, generated by PlanOpSim’s meta-component software, enable designers to model the behavior of surfaces with nanostructured patterns that can bend, focus, or manipulate light in ways that traditional optics cannot. In addition, the sequence editor has been enhanced with expanded functionality, including the ability to open a wider range of existing lens-design files. The improvements make it easier to bring optical designs into TracePro for sequential analysis and offer more flexibility for users working across different design platforms. Lambda Research Corporation, 515 Groton Rd, Westford, MA 01886, https://lambdares.com
Linear stages for precise and stable positioning
Physik Instrumente (PI) designed its L‑511 high-precision linear stage series for demanding positioning tasks, such as optical alignment, laser cutting, and automated manufacturing processes. Suitable for scientific and industrial applications that require maximum motion precision, the L‑511 series features repeatability down to 0.15 µm, travel ranges from 52 to 155 mm, a choice of motors that includes DC, gear, and stepper, and a wide range of configuration options. The stress-relieved aluminum base ensures high stability and prevents drift caused by mechanical loads. The backlash-free, recirculating ball-bearing guide with a 2 mm pitch provides for a high level of load capacity and run-out accuracy; the vertical and lateral run-out of up to ±1.5 µm across the entire travel range satisfies the requirements of applications requiring a high level of run-out accuracy. Noncontact optical linear encoders provide direct position measurement with high resolution in the range of a few nanometers. Physik Instrumente (PI) SE & Co KG, Auf der Römerstr 1, 76228 Karlsruhe, Germany, www.physikinstrumente.com
Software for image and surface analysis
Digital Surf’s Mountains 11 software expands on the previous version’s capabilities for image and surface analysis in microscopy and metrology. MountainsSEM for 2D image analysis of scanning electron microscope images offers correction and enhancement features, particle analysis, semiautomatic multiple-object colorization, and correlative analysis—for example, with energy dispersive spectroscopy maps. MountainsSPIP Nanospectral Starter and Expert for the analysis of data at the nanoscale have been added to the software’s existing scanning probe image processor (SPIP) tools. Those new products are dedicated to scanning probe microscopy instruments equipped for spectral analysis, such as nano-IR, tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy, and scanning near-field optical microscopy. The software includes advanced tools for image processing, topography, correlative analysis, multichannel-image analysis, and full spectral and hyperspectral analysis. Digital Surf, 16 rue Lavoisier, 25000 Besançon, France, www.digitalsurf.com