Interactive 4D Handbook lets visitors manipulate four-dimensional shapes and explore 4D concepts.
Ray Optics Simulation
Create and simulate two-dimensional geometric optics scenes with this free, web-based ray optics simulator.
About Ray Optics Simulation
Ray Optics Simulation is a free, web-based tool for creating and simulating two-dimensional geometric optical scenes interactively. Users place components such as single rays, beams, point sources, mirrors, lenses, glass, beam splitters, blockers, diffraction gratings, rulers, protractors and detectors, then adjust settings like ray density to see how light propagates.
View options show rays, backward and forward ray extensions, all images and caustics, or the scene as seen from an observer position. Color simulation covers light-source wavelengths, color mixing, filtering by blockers and mirrors, and chromatic dispersion in glass. Some images may not be detected when ray density is not high enough, and detector units are arbitrary.
Key features
- Create and simulate 2D geometric optical scenes interactively
- Components include mirrors, lenses, glass, beam splitters and blockers
- Curved mirrors and glass shapes defined by custom equations
- Gradient-index material with custom refractive index function n(x,y)
- View modes for extended rays, images, caustics and observer position
- Color simulation with wavelengths, filtering and chromatic dispersion
Best for: Students, teachers and others studying geometric optics who want a free browser-based tool for building and exploring 2D ray diagrams.
Good for
- Free and web-based, with no installation described
- Ideal lens and ideal curved mirror follow the thin lens and mirror equations with focal length set directly
- Wide component set plus tools such as ruler, protractor and detector for measurement
Watch out for
- Simulation is limited to two-dimensional geometric optics scenes
- Some images cannot be detected unless ray density is high enough
- Detector readings are given in arbitrary units
Ray Optics Simulation at a glance
- Website
- phydemo.app/ray-optics
- Type
- Website
- Pricing
- Not confirmed. Check the site
- Platforms
- Web
- Open source
- Not stated
- Language
- English
- Last checked
- Oct 5, 2026 · Online when checked
- Listed
- Oct 5, 2026
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Ray Optics Simulation FAQ
What optical components can I add to a scene?
Single rays, beams, point sources, mirrors (including curved and ideal curved mirrors), beam splitters, glass in various shapes, gradient-index material, ideal lenses, blockers, diffraction gratings, rulers, protractors and detectors.
Can it simulate color?
Yes. It simulates wavelengths of light sources, mixing of colors, color filtering by blockers and mirrors, and chromatic dispersion of glasses.
What does the 'Seen by Observer' view do?
It simulates the rays and images seen from a chosen position. The blue circle is the observer, and any rays crossing it are treated as observed; the rays are shown in blue and the points in yellow (real) or orange (virtual).
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