Optical design and simulation are fundamental to the development of cutting-edge photonic technologies. From consumer electronics to advanced scientific instruments, the ability to accurately model, analyze, and optimize optical systems virtually is crucial for innovation and performance. These powerful tools allow engineers and researchers to explore vast design spaces, predict real-world behavior, identify potential issues early, and refine performance before committing to costly physical prototypes.
In this online event, we’ll explore the latest advancements in optical design and simulation. We’ll delve into cutting-edge software tools, discuss best practices for tackling complex optical challenges, and engage with experts on emerging trends and future directions in the field.
Join us to discover how advanced optical design and simulation are accelerating innovation and shaping the next generation of light-based technologies!
Flurin Herren is a Senior Optical and Optomechanical Engineer at Ansys, Part of Synopsys. Since he joined in 2021, he has focused the technical growth of Zemax OpticStudio and working on developing Multiphysics and Automation in and around Ansys Optics.
Ahmad Atieh received his Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Ottawa in 1997. His research interests are in the fields of optical fiber communication, optical amplifiers, free-space optical communication, quantum key distribution (QKD) and quantum communication.
Scott Newman serves as the Director of Technical Sales & Applications at Optiwave, where he manages
technical sales and distributor training across the company’s full software portfolio. Additionally, he
serves as a Research Scientist and Product Lead specifically for the OptiFDTD, OptiBPM, and OptiMode
product lines. His broader research interests include computational electromagnetics and periodic
structures in photonics.
Dr. Newman earned his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Carleton University in 2013, specializing in
computational electromagnetics applied to photonic quasicrystals. Prior to his current role, he held a
postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Ottawa (2013–2017) developing computational models for
stimulated Brillouin scattering. He also holds an M.A.Sc. in Electrical Engineering and a B.Eng. in
Engineering Physics
Oliver Faehnle (Co-Founder & Co-Owner) joined PanDao GmbH in February 2025 as full time technical director. Oliver is internationally renowned specialist in optical fabrication technologies, having received his Physik-Diplom 1993 from Heidelberg University, Germany, and made his PhD at the University of Delft, The Netherlands. He has been working and teaching in the optics industry for more than 30 years and is a senior member of OPTICA and SPIE, head of the Industrial Advisory Committee of the European Optical Society, and Executive Board member of Swissphotonics.
