TFCalc 2.8 Changes

• Light Monitor Simulation. Added the capability of computing and displaying simulated light monitor curves, which are curves one might see in optically-monitored layer deposition. Multiple layers may be coated on a single monitor chip. Up to three wavelengths may be displayed on the Monitor Plot window. Either reflectance or transmittance may be monitored at any incident angle.

• Calculate Statistics. This feature enables the designer to calculate the maximum, minimum, and average value of the parameter (e.g., reflectance) being displayed in the Plot or Table window.

• New Sensitivity Options. Added the capability of computing the sensitivity of a coating’s color. Also, the layer thicknesses may be uniformly or normally distributed.

• Enhanced Color Chart. Added the capability of displaying LAB color, color purity, dominant and complementary wavelengths, and color sensitivity. A reference white may be specified. Also, color for a 10-degree field of view may be computed.

• Global Optimization. This feature enables the designer to locate the best possible design. TFCalc attempts to find coating designs that minimize the merit function.

• Variable Metric Optimization Method. This new optimization method is usually faster than the other two methods.

• Logarithmically Distributed Targets. This feature allows the designer to distribute the optimization targets logarithmically, which is useful for designing broadband coatings.

• Detector Functions. The designer may specify a detector function, which is useful for designing a coating for a specific detector.

• New Environment Dialog. This dialog contains a schematic showing the incident medium, substrate, exit medium, front and back layers, and the incident angle. There is also a new input box for entering the name of the detector.

• dB Plots and Tables. The designer may elect to see reflectance, transmittance, absorptance, and loss in dB units.

• Zoom Plot Window. The designer may zoom in on a wavelength range without having to reanalyze the coating design.

• New Units in Plot Window. In addition to wavelength and relative wave number, the designer may choose to see wave number, electron volts, and frequency.

• Cross-hair Cursor in Plot Window. As the cursor is moved in the window, the position of the cursor is displayed, making it easy to find the approximate location of features (e.g., 50% points, maxima, minima) on the plot. If the mouse button is pressed while the cursor is moved, the distance moved will be displayed, making it easy to determine the height and width of various features.