Description

Turns out we do need Zemax (b/c black box fiasco). The modules we anticipate needing for current and future work are:

Optics Studio (base optical CAD software)
Optics Studio STAR Module (seems like this avoids the need for SigFit in STOP analysis)
Optics Builder (for potentially sending our own custom designs to manufacturers)

Tasks

[x] Inquire/research the questions:
- [x] Would the OpticsStar module come with our Optics Studio Premium Network license? If not how much does a licence cost in addition to the SMART Program cost?
- [x] How many simultaneous users can we have on a single network license?
[x] Obtain free student licenses
[ ] Coordinate w/ IT to have licences installed on UTAT network.

Email thread with Zemax:

Emailed ThorLabs and they replied saying that they only work with Zemax files
Thurs. Oct 27: document the reply we got
- The STAR module is an add-on module that can be purchased in addition to OpticStudio. It is not included in the SMART license program. The cost is $18,000 USD/year for a 1 seat network license. 1 person can use the license at a time.
- Conclusion → probably isn’t worth it to pursure this
- Compare with SigFit costs
Sat. Oct. 22, 2022: hijacked the email thread
@David : Seems like the STAR module is hella expensive. Need to wait for confirmation from Thorlabs to determine if its absolutly not at all possible to get CODEV-compatible files before we continue to pursue this

email back
- interested (no STAR Module)
- clarify deal with $18k per year in 3-year license or $7,250?
- tutorials + support