diffractsim
The premium Open Source alternative to Zemax
🎯 Best for:Visualizing complex diffraction patterns and teaching physical optics.
What is diffractsim?
A Python-based alternative to expensive optical design software like Zemax. It uses Fast Fourier Transforms (FFT) to simulate scalar diffraction patterns through arbitrary apertures and lenses.
Tech Stack
PythonPhysics & Astronomy
Why diffractsim?
- • Fast FFT-based calculation
- • Easy aperture customization
- • High-quality plot output
Limitations
- • Scalar approximation only
- • No ray-tracing support
- • Limited lens library
3/4/2026
Last Update
141
Forks
22
Issues
Other
License
Financial Leak Detected
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Competitor Cost
-$1,440
/ year (est. based on Zemax)
Self-Hosted
$0
/ year
Team Size10 Users
150+
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