I simulated an optical system in both sequential and nonsequential modes. I used a Gaussian entrance beam for my system and then, compared the results of "Physical optics" in sequential mode and "coherent irradiance" in non-sequential mode.
The problem is that the results don't coincide with each other!
Now, I want to know which one is more accurate and reliable?
Thanks!
The answer depends upon your problem. It also depends upon how you set up the problem in Zemax. Just using physical optics in sequential mode, you can easily get different results depending upon the resolution and calculation apertures you use.
If you problem involves interference or multiple scattering effects (e.g. etalons), the non-sequential mode should give you best results. If it does not, then both should give you equivalent results. If they are different, you need to look into how they are set up and what the limitations of Zemax for that particular problem are.
Dear Damien Gray ,
Thank you for your response. My setup has an off-axis telescopic structure. In this case the big mirror of the telescope is a section of an asphere. It is a simple setup and I think both SQ and NSQ mode have to obtain a sinilar result. But in the NSQ mode I cannot find any spot (in coherent illumination)!
What do you think about that?
You are correct. Both sequential and non-sequential should give similar results. Unfortunately, it has been a long time since I have used non-sequential mode for anything in Zemax, so I cannot offer any constructive advice. If you are eligible, I would suggest you contact Zemax customer support. You can find instructions here: https://zemaxprod.azureedge.net/cmsstorage/zemax_2017/media/zmxdocuments/zemax_technical_support_flyer_f1.pdf
I think that non-sequential mode is more accurate which allows the ray to be launched and then hit whatever object is in its path. As a result, the ray may be reflected, scattered, refracted, diffracted, or split into sub-rays. This results in precise results. I also agree with Damien by contacting Zemax customer support for more details.
Thank you for your answer Hossien Eldeeb .
You are right, but anyway, there are some simple structures like a two-mirror telescope that I expect the same result from both modes. But, they are not exactly the same and in some special cases, they are too far!
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