| Stable release | 9.110 / October 15, 2010 |
|---|---|
| Development status | Maintained |
| Operating system | Windows |
| Type | CAD Software |
| Website | http://www.photonengr.com/software/ |
Fred Optical Engineering Software (FRED) is a commercial 3D CAD software program for optical engineering used to simulate illumination through optical systems. Fred can handle both incoherent and coherent light using Gaussian beam propagation. The program offers a high level of visualization using a WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) parametric interface. According to the publisher, Photon Engineering, the name "Fred" is not an acronym, and does not mean anything.[1]
Fred allows for non-sequential raytracing with support to raytrace on up to 16 cores.[2] Fred also features a downhill simplex optimizer where the user can specify variables, merit function and multiple targets for optimization. The program can import both IGES and STEP CAD formats. Fred is also compatible with other hardware measured light source measurement software such as ProSource. Fred can also interact with MATLAB and Mathematica using a OLE Automation Client/Server interface.
Fred was used in the design of the NOAO's Large Synoptic Survey Telescope.[3]
Fred is available in two commercial and two educational editions.