Zemax/OpticStudio Programming (ZPL) for Non-Sequential Mode

Master the basics of the programming language, create a new macro, write comments, and handle numeric and string variables; then simulate with macros.

Create and save a new Zemax OpticStudio ZPL macro for non-sequential mode, then run or rerun it to view the output.

Discover how to write comments in Zemax OpticStudio ZPL for non-sequential mode using exclamation marks, hashes, or Rhim. Inline comments require hashes to avoid errors.

Master numeric variables in ZPL by naming them, assigning a value with equals, and observing case insensitivity, 28-character limit, no special characters or keywords; numeric variables are 64-bit double precision.

Learn how to use string variables, assign values, print strings, and concatenate multiple variables to build and display a single output in Zemax/OpticStudio non-sequential mode.

Get a quick recap of ray-tracing simulation in Zemax OpticStudio non-sequential mode, using analyze and retrace, polarization, reading detectors, and merit function evaluation.

Learn to simulate in IMAX using macros in Zemax OpticStudio. Include clearing detectors, retracing, reading energy, saving, and running a symbol simulation with NSD as a numeric function.

Learn energy, the nonsequential data function, to read and clear detectors in Zemax OpticStudio, using its four arguments for detector selection and pixel data, with macro help references.

Explore nonsequential tracing in Zemax/OpticStudio using any star syntax, including setting the star, sources, and retrace options. Review the split, polarization, and ignore flags, and note the random seats.

Learn how random seed controls random rays in non-sequential mode. The merit function uses a fixed seed, while tracing can vary; set zero for variability and nonzero for repeatable results.

Apply numerical precision by using the format keyword with eight digits after the decimal. Fix the random seed for repeatable outputs; change the random seed to see different results.

Learn how to save non-sequential data in Zemax OpticStudio using file name, filter, and format, and choose between uncompressed full or compressed full data.

Learn to simulate in Zemax OpticStudio with ZPL in non-sequential mode by clearing detectors, retracing rays, reading detectors, and printing outputs to obtain expected results.

Load rays from a non-sequential Zemax model, apply filters to reveal selected paths, and retrace them with macros to reproduce results and compare detector power values.

Explore sweeping with Markle's, recap the universal plot, and write follow-ups in ZPL; adjust initiator position and parameter with keywords, use macros in emacs, and analyze results in Excel.

Learn to use universal plot in the max by defining the marriage function, optimizing it, clearing detectors, retracing, and sweeping nonsequential data to analyze total power.

Learn how to use a for loop with variable i to repeat a block from start value one to stop value ten, with a one-step increment and printing each number.

Learn to set NSC position in non-sequential mode using the set NSC position command, specifying service, object number, code, and value to adjust X and Y coordinates.

Use set and parameter commands in Zemax OpticStudio non-sequential mode to adjust object numbers, parameters, and values, then save and run.

Perform a 1d sweep using macros in Zemax/OpticStudio non-sequential mode, adjusting the rectangle position and reading the total power with a for loop and nonsequential commands.

Learn how macros affect sweep results in Zemax non-sequential mode: reset the initial value after a sweep, save, and optionally use format to increase digit precision before running again.

Master multivariable sweeps in Zemax OpticStudio using macros. Sweep position and radius with for loops in non-sequential mode, selecting object and parameter values.

Learn to perform a multi Allwood sweep in Zemax OpticStudio non-sequential mode, monitor total power and an additional quantity such as radius, and read results from the output variables.

Analyze sweep results by copying data to Excel, importing with the wizard, and selecting the optimum design with Data Tap based on the smallest Oremus radius and the highest power.

this lecture explains sweeping with markers using for loops, setting parameters, retracing to read total power, monitoring an extra output, and restoring initial values before saving and running.

Learn how to set and sweep system properties in Zemax OpticStudio using universal plot settings and macros, including wavelength adjustments in micrometers.

Learn to save progress in Zemax OpticStudio non-sequential simulations by using the Save Window keyword in the outer loop, creating a text file in documents that records results.

Learn how to use macros in Zemax/OpticStudio, mastering keywords to create and edit objects, from standard lines to full setups, with a focus on why macros matter.

Insert object is the first step to create files using macros in Zemax OpticStudio non-sequential mode. Learn to select object numbers, save, and update after insertion.

set NSC property in non-sequential mode to change object type by specifying object number, property code, face, and value, then update all to reflect the change.

Create a standard lens in nonsequential mode using Zemax OpticStudio by inserting objects, configuring standardless surfaces, adjusting materials and parameters, then saving and running the design.

Build the entire non-sequential setup using markers by switching objects to source ellipse and rectangle, positioning them precisely, inserting, saving, and running.

Create Zemax non-sequential setups with macros by separating design parameters from the code. This enables easy edits, traceable changes with versions, and rapid creation of new files by changing parameters.

Participate in an exercise to create files using macros for a spherical reflector and a small detector; download the video resources and try before the solution video.

Learn to solve the exercise by inserting and editing objects, changing object types and materials, adjusting parameters and positions, performing ablation, and running the saved macro.

Discover how the macros directory is set by default in Zemax OpticStudio non-sequential mode, with macros saved and run from the documents folder, and how to change it.

Recap the cell types in the Emax, learn to use the solar type macro, read parameters and positions from the editor, and write statements in the max with an example.

Explore a quick recap of solve types in Zemax/OpticStudio Programming (ZPL) for non-sequential mode, including fixed, variable, PAKA linear relations, and an upcoming macro for parameter dependencies and optimization.

Learn to compute a ZPL macro parameter in Zemax OpticStudio non-sequential mode by defining X and Y, returning the value to a parameter, saving, and reading from the NSA editor.

Learn to read and combine parameters and positions from the NSC editor in Zemax OpticStudio non-sequential mode using the inpower numeric function, NPR outputs, and object and parameter indexing.

Explore the if statement in Zemax OpticStudio programming, evaluating expressions to run commands when true or else when false, with a practical maximum aperture example.

Illustrates creating a Zemax zpl macro to enforce a minimum one millimeter distance between the source ellipse and standard lens in non-sequential mode, using conditional checks and macro save/load steps.

Learn to call a macro from within another macro in ZPL for non-sequential mode, creating a separate macro for clear trace, then invoking it to improve readability and maintainability.