Comparison

RayLab vs AR Fourier Optics Lab

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

Head to head
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
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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

About

AR Fourier Optics Lab

Features
Read full description

In the middle of the 19th century, Ernst Abbe revolutionized optics with his diffraction theory of the microscope. He predicted the resolution limit and derived mathematical guidelines for high-performance devices which became known as the "Fourier Optics" method. This enabled Carl Zeiss to design instruments by prior calculations and started the industrialization of physical instrumentation. Understanding Fourier Optics is an important learning goal in every undergraduate optics course. This App was build to teach the basics of Fourier Optics in combination with an according lab experiment. It is intended for undergraduate students in Physics, Photonics and Optical Sciences. We recommend the use of the Thorlabs EDU-FOP2 Fourier Optics Kit: https://www.thorlabs.com/newgrouppage9.cfm?objectgroup_id=11829&pn=EDU-FOP2/M The App was designed to augment the learning content onto an existing EDU-FOP2 setup ("Lab Companion Mode"), but also allows a stand-alone use of the students at home ("Preparation Mode") or in cases where a suitable setup is not available. It will cover the following topics: - Introduction to Fourier Optics - Physical Background - Mathematical Background - Explanations on a typical lab setup with Köhler illumination (EDU-FOP2 from Thorlabs) - Applications - Historical Background

Screenshots

RayLab4 screens
AR Fourier Optics Lab4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: AR Fourier Optics Lab at none against RayLab's 10. AR Fourier Optics Lab also leads on ads (none vs shown). RayLab's advantage is iOS requirement (11.0 vs 14.0). On price 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. AR Fourier Optics Lab asks for nothing beyond the download.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
RayLab versus AR Fourier Optics Lab: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterRayLabAR Fourier Optics Lab
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.7 (67 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews75.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings67 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 6 weeks—
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS11.0 — better14.0
Further details — not scored
Size39 MB238 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperKamyar GhandiKIDS interactive GmbH

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
None

AR Fourier Optics Lab

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is RayLab free?
RayLab is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is AR Fourier Optics Lab free?
AR Fourier Optics Lab is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do RayLab or AR Fourier Optics Lab have ads?
RayLab shows ads; AR Fourier Optics Lab does not.

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