Open seminars and in-house training

Ansys Zemax OpticStudio®

We offer both public and customized in-house training courses for the optical design software Ansys Zemax OpticStudio®.

Overview

We offer various training courses on Ansys Zemax OpticStudio®, one of the standard programmes for the design and calculation of optical systems in industry. The programme is extremely powerful, but also complex to use. Inexperienced users therefore run the risk of obtaining incorrect results without noticing. A guided introduction provides a solid foundation for working confidently and efficiently with Ansys Zemax OpticStudio®.

Open seminars

We regularly hold open seminars that teach the basics of working with the programme. These include two three-day basic seminars specifically aimed at beginners and users with basic knowledge. In addition, we offer specialised seminars on more complex topics at irregular intervals. These in-depth courses are designed for experienced users who want to further expand their knowledge in areas such as tolerance modelling. All open seminars are conducted in cooperation with the Optec-Berlin-Brandenburg e.V. competence network. Members of this network and other German optics competence networks benefit from discounted prices.

In-house training

For companies that want to train several employees, cover specific topics or for whom the dates offered are not suitable, we offer individually tailored in-house training courses. We come to you and conduct one-day or multi-day training courses that are precisely tailored to your requirements. On request, these training courses can also be held in English.

Training Dates 2026

All training courses will be held in-person in the heart of Berlin and in German.
Courses begin at 9:00 a.m. and end around 5:00 p.m.

Two coffee breaks and one lunch break are included.
Snacks, drinks, and lunch are included in the booking price.

  • Basic seminar (3 days)

    This basic seminar offers a structured introduction to optical design with Ansys Zemax OpticStudio® and also teaches the fundamentals of geometric optics and key principles of optical design. The focus is on the terms and concepts that are particularly relevant for the efficient use of Ansys Zemax OpticStudio®.

    Practical exercises enable participants to directly apply and consolidate the knowledge they have acquired.

    Targetgroup

    This course is aimed at:

    • Optics developers, designers, and engineers who deal with optical issues in their professional practice.
    • Beginners who want to learn how to use Ansys Zemax OpticStudio® quickly and effectively.
    • Users who have familiarized themselves with the program through self-study and want to build a solid foundation of knowledge.
    • Anyone who wants to gain a structured overview of the program logic and efficient working methods.

    Targets

    Independent processing of simple and complex tasks in optics development with Ansys Zemax OpticStudio®. Understanding the various criteria for evaluating optical systems and effective use of automatic optimization.

    Content

    • Fundamentals of geometric optics (paraxial optics and third-order aberrations)
    • Introduction to using Ansys Zemax OpticStudio®
    • Description of optical systems in Ansys Zemax OpticStudio®
    • Important analysis functions and useful tools
    • Evaluation of optical systems
    • Optimization of optical systems

    Your benefit

    After the three days of training, participants will be able to independently work on simple and more complex tasks in optics development using Ansys Zemax OpticStudio®.This includes in particular: Creation of simulation models of optical systems Calculation and evaluation of the performance characteristics of optical systems Evaluation of imaging errors Optimization of optical systems according to specified criteria

    Fee

    2.050 € bzw. 1.850 € 1

    1The reduced price applies to members of the German Optics Competence Networks and
    the Adlershof Technology Circle Association.

    • 22.04.2026 – 24.04.2026 Registration deadline: 08.04.2026 Sign in
    28.09.2026 – 30.09.2026 Registration deadline: 14.09.2026 Sign in
  • Seminar Non-sequential mode (3 days)

    The advanced seminar offers a systematic introduction to working with the non-sequential mode of Ansys Zemax OpticStudio®. This mode plays a particularly important role in the simulation of lighting systems, but is also helpful in modeling systems with interference or dispersion or for analyzing stray light. The operation and analysis options of the non-sequential mode are presented and explained using examples. In addition, the so-called mixed mode, i.e., the integration of non-sequential components into sequential models, is also covered.

    Targetgroup

    The advanced seminar is an introduction to another area of application for Ansys Zemax OpticStudio® and is primarily aimed at developers, designers, and engineers who deal with lighting technology issues in their professional practice or who need to perform more complex analyses on optical systems.

    • Graduates of the basic seminar or
    • users with a solid basic knowledge of how to use the sequential mode of Ansys Zemax OpticStudio®

    Targets

    You will learn how to use the non-sequential mode of Ansys Zemax OpticStudio®. In addition to the basics of this mode, you will learn how working in non-sequential mode differs from working in sequential mode and which points require special attention. You will learn how to build non-sequential models step by step and how to simulate effects such as light scattering, interference, or diffraction. You will also learn how to incorporate non-sequential models into sequential models in order to take advantage of the extensive analysis capabilities of sequential mode.

    Content

    • Building non-sequential models
    • Important object types
    • Light sources and their modeling
    • Detectors
    • Partial reflections and coatings
    • Light scattering and interference effects
    • Optimization in non-sequential mode
    • Mixed mode: non-sequential components in sequential systems

    Your benefit

    After the three days of training, participants will be able to create simple and advanced models in non-sequential mode and investigate specific issues. This includes:

    • Modeling, investigating, and optimizing lighting systems in non-sequential mode
    • Modeling light sources
    • Analyzing interferometric systems
    • Simulating scattering on surfaces and performing stray light analyses
    • Combining non-sequential and sequential models
    • Detecting errors

    Fee

    2.050€ bzw. 1.850€1

    1The reduced price applies to members of the German Optics Competence Networks and
    the Adlershof Technology Circle Association.

    • 06.05.2026 – 08.05.2026 Registration deadline: 22.04.2026 Sign in
    11.11.2026 – 13.11.2026 Registration deadline: 28.10.2026 Sign in
  • Multi-configurations and complex optimizations (1 day)

    Focus seminar

    Multi-configurations are an important concept for describing variable systems such as zoom optics or assemblies with switchable light paths. In addition, multi-configurations are also a prerequisite for modeling the thermal behavior of an optical system.

    Targetgroup

    Users with solid basic knowledge of ZEMAX® OpticStudio®

    Targets

    The one-day seminar introduces the multi-configuration concept of ZEMAX® OpticStudio® and explains it using application examples in sequential and non-sequential mode. The modeling of thermal behavior is described, as are the special features of optimizing multi-configuration systems. Multi-configurations also play an important role in the development of tolerance-stable systems.

    Content

    • Creation of multi-configuration systems using the multi-configuration editor
    • Links in the multi-configuration editor
    • Optimization of multi-configuration systems
    • Modeling of the thermal behavior of systems using multi-configurations
    • Multi-configurations for optimizing tolerance stability

    Your benefit

    You will learn how to use the multi-configuration concept of ZEMAX® OpticStudio® and how to apply it effectively to your applications.

    Fee

    750€ bzw. 670€1

    1The reduced price applies to members of the German Optics Competence Networks and
    the Adlershof Technology Circle Association.

    • 20.03.2026 Registration deadline: 04.03.2026 Sign in
    27.11.2026 Registration deadline: 11.11.2026 Sign in
  • Tolerance modeling (2 days)

    Focus seminar

    Manufacturing tolerances have a decisive influence on the performance of optical systems. With the help of the tolerance model from Ansys Zemax OpticStudio®, which is presented in this seminar, the permissible manufacturing tolerances can be determined and the influence of tolerances on the expected system performance or even the manufacturing yield can be evaluated.

    Targetgroup

    Users with solid basic knowledge of Ansys Zemax OpticStudio®

    Targets

    The seminar introduces the tolerance model of Ansys Zemax OpticStudio®. The relationship between tolerance modeling and the description of tolerances in optical systems in accordance with ISO 10110 is explained, as are the wide-ranging possibilities of tolerance analysis. Examples are used to show how the tolerance model can be used to answer various questions arising in the development and production of optical systems.

    Content

    • Tolerances according to ISO 10110
    • Specification of tolerances with the Tolerance Editor
    • Basic function of tolerance analysis
    • Statistical tolerance distributions and Monte Carlo analysis
    • Optimization of tolerance-affected systems for maximum tolerance stability

    Your benefit

    After completing this seminar, you will be able to model and analyze tolerances for an optical system in Ansys Zemax OpticStudio®. You will be able to analyze the effects of different tolerances on system performance and independently specify permissible tolerance ranges.

    Fee

    1.450 € bzw. 1.200 €1

    1The reduced price applies to members of the German Optics Competence Networks and
    the Adlershof Technology Circle Association.

    • 18.03.2026 – 19.03.2026 Registration deadline: 04.03.2026 Sign in
    25.11.2026 – 26.11.2026 Registration deadline: 11.11.2026 Sign in
  • ZEMAX® OpticStudio® programming (1 day)

    Focus seminar

    One of the great strengths of Ansys Zemax OpticStudio® is its wide range of programming interfaces. These make it possible to extend the program's functionality for specific applications. A key component here is Ansys Zemax OpticStudio®'s own programming language, ZPL. This seminar provides an introduction to the Ansys Zemax OpticStudio® macro language ZPL and its application for various tasks in sequential and non-sequential models.

    Targetgroup

    Users with solid basic knowledge of Ansys Zemax OpticStudio®. Basic knowledge of programming with a classic programming language is helpful but not required.

    Targets

    The seminar will introduce the Ansys Zemax OpticStudio® macro language ZPL and explain its diverse practical applications using various examples.

    Content

    • Basic structure of the Ansys Zemax OpticStudio® macro language ZPL
    • Controlling calculations and retrieving results
    • File input and output
    • Using ZPL for macros, user-defined optimization operators, and solves

    Your benefit

    After completing the seminar, participants will be able to independently develop and implement macros and other ZPL programs.

    Fee

    750€ bzw. 670€1

    1The reduced price applies to members of the German Optics Competence Networks and
    the Adlershof Technology Circle Association.

    • No dates scheduled for ZEMAX® OpticStudio® programming.
    We will be happy to notify you as soon as new dates are available!    		 Please notify me.

Lecturers

The seminars are led by Dr. Volker Türck and Dr. Elisabeth Siebert. 

Dr. Volker Türck has been using Ansys ZEMAX OpticStudio® almost daily since 2004 for tasks in various areas of optical design. In addition to his work as an optical designer, he has also been conducting customer-specific in-house training courses on Ansys ZEMAX OpticStudio® for several years. His practical experience as a long-term user is reflected in the content and topics of the training. 

Dr. Elisabeth Siebert complements the team with her expertise, bringing extensive knowledge of optical design and significant experience in the application of Ansys ZEMAX OpticStudio®. Together, they ensure hands-on and comprehensive training.

Dr. Volker Türck – Optics development, simulation, training ZEMAX<sup>®</sup> OpticStudio<sup>®</sup>

Dr. Volker Türck

Optics development, simulation, training ZEMAX® OpticStudio®
  • Physicist specialising in semiconductor physics and optics

    After completing his doctorate, postdoctoral studies and two years in industry, he founded his engineering firm in 2005.

    Volker gained extensive experience in technical optics in numerous projects ranging from deep underground (borehole monitoring with fibre optics) to outer space (satellite-based optics). His area of expertise is working with ZEMAX®, a software programme that he has been using almost daily since 2004 and which continues to inspire him.

    Another area of his work is computer-aided data analysis, a subject that has fascinated him since his student days and in which he can combine his knowledge of physics, mathematics and computer science.

Dr. Elisabeth Siebert

Optical development | Simulation | Coaching
  • Physicist specialising in optical measurement technology and measurement data analysis

    Elisabeth joined the team in 2017 and specialises in the design of optical systems. Her work ranges from imaging applications to lighting design and includes projects in medical technology, the film industry, optical communication, measurement technology and microscopy. She prefers to work with Code V and Zemax. A particular focus is on the development of anamorphic optics and the precise tolerancing of complex systems.

    She enjoys the creative challenge of developing individual solutions and analysis methods. Thanks to her experience in a wide range of industries, Elisabeth has extensive expertise in the design of optical systems. For her, every project is an opportunity to learn something new and work with customers to achieve innovative results.

Optics development with ZEMAX® OpticStudio® Series of seminars 2025

Flyer ZEMAX®-training

What We Do for You

As a development service provider, we undertake tasks in the areas of optical system development and simulation, data analysis, statistics, and algorithm development.

Our approach fits your project and you would like to learn more?

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We will contact you immediately and arrange an appointment for a discussion.

Or you can simply call us and arrange an appointment with us by phone.

+49. (0)30. 69 20 55 80 – 0

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