Synopsys Inc. announced the availability of version 8.0 of its LightTools(R) illumination design software, which delivers multi-CPU support that dramatically improves the speed of lighting system simulations. With the addition of several new 3D objects, application-specific utilities and enhancements to parametric controls, this version also provides features that simplify the design of lighting components. LightTools has been enhanced with a multi-threading capability that enables illumination simulation processes to take advantage of all CPUs or cores on a computer.

The multi-CPU feature can dramatically improve the speed of simulations, analyses and design optimizations. To facilitate the creation of complex lighting components, LightTools introduces new types of 3D objects, including revolved sheets and solids, extruded sheets and solids and freeform sheets. These objects expand the range of shapes available for creating illumination optics such as compact, freeform surfaces used in automotive headlights.