This comprehensive course offers a thorough exploration of Zemax Sequential Mode, providing participants with a systematic understanding of lens design, optical system analysis, and surface property management. Structured to align with real-world optical engineering needs, this course introduces foundational concepts before progressing to advanced design techniques, supported by a practical, hands-on approach.

The course begins with an in-depth examination of the Zemax environment, ensuring participants develop a strong understanding of the interface and its core functions. You will learn to navigate the Zemax workspace, set up optical systems, configure system data, and import lens prescriptions. Essential topics such as system explorers and the implementation of optical surfaces are covered in detail, along with methods for extracting and utilizing commercial lens specifications. Foundational techniques like thickness solves, paraxial focus, lens layout, and input ray setup provide the groundwork for building precise optical systems.

Moving beyond singlet lenses, the course introduces doublet lens design as a practical example. You will explore the concept of doublets, apply first-order equations to these systems, and import them into Zemax for analysis. Through this example, you will learn to evaluate the first-order properties of real lenses, including virtual image formation and key performance characteristics. This section provides an ideal bridge between theoretical optics and practical implementation.

In the Curvature Solves section, participants will develop the ability to control and optimize lens curvature using advanced tools. Topics include fixing and varying curvature values, effective focal length (EFFL), marginal ray angles, pick-up solves, and calculations for element power and F-number. Additionally, the course covers thickness solving, where you will study marginal ray height, edge thickness, positional constraints, and center of curvature considerations for precision lens systems.

The program further explores Material Solves, where you will learn how to model and substitute materials efficiently to achieve desired optical performance. In conjunction, the Clear Semi-Diameter section introduces automatic and maximum aperture settings to refine optical designs. Mastery of these tools will enable participants to solve complex lens challenges with confidence.

An essential part of the course focuses on the Lens Data Editor Toolbar, a powerful resource for fine-tuning optical elements. This section teaches how to automate lens updates, introduce tilt and decenter elements, add fold mirrors, reverse optical elements, and configure apertures. Participants will learn to implement double-pass configurations and other practical techniques critical to optical simulations.

The Surface Properties module delves into the visual and functional aspects of optical surfaces. Topics include surface coloring, opacity adjustments, row customization, and the creation of surface stops. Advanced surface tools such as “Ignore This Surface,” surface property drawing, aperture editing, and tilt/decenter configurations are also explored, ensuring participants gain full control over surface design.

The course culminates with Practical Examples, allowing participants to apply their knowledge through real-world lens systems. You will analyze and design both Triplet Lenses and Cook Triplets, following a step-by-step process of explanation and solution implementation in Zemax. These exercises solidify key concepts, reinforce problem-solving techniques, and prepare participants for independent design work. We also explore the design and analysis of the Maksutov Telescope, offering participants a deeper understanding of more complex optical systems and their integration in Zemax.

By the end of this course, participants will have gained mastery in setting up, designing, and analyzing optical systems within Zemax Sequential. This program is ideal for optical engineers, researchers, and professionals seeking to develop their expertise in Zemax and optical system design. Whether you are building singlet lenses, doublets, or complex optical assemblies, this course provides the tools and techniques needed to excel in optical engineering applications.