Comparison

APE Optics Calculator vs RayLab

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

APE Optics Calculator

This app simplifies complex calculations for ultrafast and nonlinear laser optics. It handles frequency generation, optical parametric processes, and spectroscopic conversions. It also calculates pulse characteristics and power conversions for laser systems.

Highlights
  • Sum/Difference Frequency Generation calculations
  • Optical Parametric Oscillator/Amplifier calculations
  • Spectroscopy calculations (CARS, SRS)
  • Wavelength, wavenumber, photon energy conversion
  • Pulse characterization (bandwidth, duration, dispersion)
  • Power and energy conversion
Features
Read full description

The APE Calculator helps to easily evaluate often needed equations in ultrafast and nonlinear laser optics. This includes Sum Frequency Generation (SFM, SFG), Difference Frequency Generation (DFG), the wavelength relations in an optical parametric oscillator or amplifier (OPO, OPA) as well as in coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) or SRS spectroscopy. The conversion between wavelength, wavenumber, photon energy and frequency as well as different characterizations of pulses can be calculated, e.g. bandwidth, time bandwidth product, pulse duration or dispersion. Conversion of peak and average powers, pulse energy and pulse energy density, repetition rate and beam diameter as well as power densities is possible. Feedback as well as feature requests are appreciated.

About

RayLab

Design and simulate optical systems with this powerful tool. Explore 2D and 3D models, perform advanced ray tracing, and analyze optical performance. Ideal for learning or professional design.

Highlights
  • 2D/3D optical modeling
  • Geometric ray tracing
  • Sequential and non-sequential analysis
  • Advanced optical elements
  • Polarization ray tracing
  • Design optimization
  • Glass catalogs
Features
Read full description

RayLab is an application for design and simulation of optics. It can be used either as a learning tool or for the design of real optical systems. Basic version includes: • Ability to model 2D lenses and mirrors • Full control over placement and shape of optical components • Full control over aspheric surface shape parameters • Full geometric ray tracing • Sequential and Non Sequential analysis • Front Focal Length, Back Focal Length, Principle Surface calculations • Sample Models Upgrade to RayLab Pro enables: • 3D Modeling • Advanced Optical Elements such as Lens Arrays, Diffraction Gratings, Prisms, Fresnel Lenses, etc. • Polarization Ray Tracing * Ray Splitting / Beam Splitter modeling • Multi-Configuration Manager and animation functionality • Ability to perform optimizations of design parameters • Ray Transfer Matrix calculation • Various commercial glass catalogs • Zemax Importer • Multiple Analysis Windows: -- Fan Ray Diagram. -- Wavefront Error Plot. -- Grid Distortion Plot. -- Spot Diagram. -- Chromatic Aberration. -- Gaussian Spot Size. -- Polarization Analyzer. Upgrade is available with in-app purchases of various modules OR as a full featured subscription. • The subscription offers a 7 day free trial period. Subscription begins immediately but payment will only be charged to iTunes Account at the end of the trial period. • Subscription automatically renews unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24-hours before the end of the current period. • The account will be charged for renewal within 24-hours prior to the end of the current period, at the same monthly price as the original subscription. • You may manage your subscriptions and auto-renewal may be turned off by going to your iTunes Account Settings after purchase. • No cancellation of the current subscription is allowed during active subscription period. • Any unused portion of a free trial period will be forfeited if the subscription is cancelled. Privacy Policy and Terms of Use: https://www.raymak.com/wp/privacy-policy

Screenshots

APE Optics Calculator4 screens
RayLab4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: APE Optics Calculator at none against RayLab's 10. APE Optics Calculator also leads on ads (none vs shown) and review sentiment (100% vs 75%). RayLab's advantage is update cadence (every 6 weeks vs every 14 months) and ratings volume (67 vs 4). On price, rating and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. RayLab sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. APE Optics Calculator asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.8 for APE Optics Calculator against 4.7 for RayLab. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: RayLab has 67 ratings behind it against 4, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 100% of APE Optics Calculator's written reviews are positive against 75% of RayLab's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

APE Optics Calculator ships an update every 14 months, RayLab every 6 weeks. Both last shipped on October 23, 2026.

Scorecard7 real differences · 3 level
APE Optics Calculator versus RayLab: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterAPE Optics CalculatorRayLab
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.8 (4 ratings) — better4.7 (67 ratings)
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews — better75.0% of reviews
Number of ratings467 — better
Update frequencyEvery 14 monthsEvery 6 weeks — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS8.0 — better11.0
Further details — not scored
Size34 MB39 MB
Age rating17+4+
DeveloperStefan PopienKamyar Ghandi

Customer experience

APE Optics Calculator

All ratings4 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews4 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

RayLab

All ratings63 ratings
Positive92.1%
Neutral0.0%
Negative7.9%
Written reviews36 reviews
Positive75.0%
Neutral5.6%
Negative19.4%

In-app purchases

None

APE Optics Calculator

No in-app purchases

10 purchases

RayLab

Subscriptions1
  • RayLab Pro Subscription7 Days trial$3.991 Month
One-time9
  • RayLab Pro UpgradeFree
  • Schott Glass Catalog$0.99
  • Custom Glass Editor$0.99
Show 6 more
  • Advanced Optical Elements$1.99
  • Source and Lens Arrays$1.99
  • Solver/Optimizer Module$3.99
  • 3D Modeling$4.99
  • RayLab Pro 2$19.99
  • RayLab Pro Bundle$19.99

Questions

Is APE Optics Calculator free?
APE Optics Calculator is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is RayLab free?
RayLab is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, APE Optics Calculator or RayLab?
APE Optics Calculator is rated higher. APE Optics Calculator averages 4.8 out of 5 from 4 ratings, while RayLab averages 4.7 from 67 ratings.
Do APE Optics Calculator or RayLab have ads?
RayLab shows ads; APE Optics Calculator does not.
Which is updated more often, APE Optics Calculator or RayLab?
APE Optics Calculator ships an update every 14 months, and RayLab every 6 weeks. Most recently, APE Optics Calculator was updated on October 23, 2026 and RayLab on October 23, 2026.

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