Optical Table is a program to simulate ray optics. One can define various optical components such as lenses, mirrors, and prisms, and graphically see the propagation of rays through the optical system defined. Using the mouse, one can move and rotate optical components and see the rays change direction immediately. It is intended initially primarily for educational purposes, but will have functionality added to it as needed that may make it more suitable for optical design. Graphical user interface with which optics may be placed, or rays displayed.
Interface supports zoom feature, toolbar, and property windows.
Written in Java with API 1.0 for maximum compatiblity. Definable wavelengths for every ray. Lenses have definable chromatic aberrations, and prisms have definable dispersion characteristics. Gaussian ray propagation. Sources have definable beam width and radius of curvature.