One sequence is not enough

In classical optical design software the optical system is typically described by the sequential path the light uses from the object to the image plane. Therefore, it is not possible to define more than one sequential path in a model without using some ugly workarounds. However, more than one sequence leads to large benefits for the optical design process. Such multi-sequence models often allow the simulation and optimization of the complete system instead of optimizing separate assemblies independently. The first application that comes to mind are systems where more than one light path is of interest, like microscopes, interferometers, confocal sensors, etc. But also classical problems, like camera-lens designs profit from the approach. It not only allows a direct integration of the ghost analysis into the design process, but furthermore enables to directly optimize for the desired ghost behavior. Another application is the calculation of CGHs. Here the CGH can directly be computed from the two wavefronts on both sides. We will present our novel software approach that allows for a elegant solution of the described problems and demonstrate the feasibility using some examples.