What is OSLO?
OSLO (Optics Software for Layout and Optimization) is one of the longest-developed optical design software packages in the world — its history dates back to the 1970s, when it was created at the University of Rochester. Since 2001, the program has been developed by Lambda Research Corporation and is among the industry standards used by opticians worldwide.
The program combines advanced ray tracing, geometric and physical aberration analysis, tolerancing, and automatic optimization in one integrated environment. OSLO supports a wide range of optical surfaces — spherical, aspherical, toric, diffractive, and freeform — and offers a built-in CCL (Compiled Command Language) scripting language based on C syntax, enabling the creation of custom design tools.
OSLO is used by photographic lens designers, scientific instrument designers, and medical and telecommunications systems engineers. A free OSLO EDU version is available — a fully functional tool for students and researchers that does not require course registration.
OSLO key features
support for spherical, aspherical, toric, cylindrical, conic, diffractive, and freeform surfaces
full Seidel aberration analysis, chromatic aberrations, MTF function, and spot diagrams
damped least squares algorithms and other error function minimization methods
analysis of the impact of manufacturing tolerances on optical system quality with report generation
built-in scripting language (a subset of C) enabling macro creation, calculation automation, and custom tool design
design and analysis of multi-configuration systems, including varifocal lenses
data exchange with other optical programs (Zemax, CODE V) and geometry export to CAD
See OSLO in action
OSLO applications
| Industry / Field | Example use case |
|---|---|
| Precision optics | Design of microscope, telescope, and photographic objectives |
| Medicine | Imaging systems, endoscopes, diagnostic systems |
| Telecommunications | Collimating lenses, fiber coupling systems |
| Science and research | Spectrometers, interferometers, lasers |
| Defense and aerospace | Thermal imaging systems, sights, long-range cameras |
| Education | Learning optical design (OSLO EDU version) |
Frequently asked questions about OSLO
What is the difference between OSLO EDU and the Premium version?
OSLO EDU is free and available for download without registration — it offers basic design, analysis, and optimization functions for systems up to 24 surfaces. The Premium version removes this limitation and adds advanced tolerancing functions, the full CCL language, and technical support.
Does OSLO support freeform surfaces?
Yes. OSLO Premium supports freeform surfaces described by Zernike polynomials and data grids, enabling the design of modern off-axis systems.
Can I import Zemax files into OSLO?
Yes, OSLO supports import of files in Zemax format (.zmx) as well as CODE V. Bidirectional geometry exchange via standard CAD formats is also possible.
What is the difference between OSLO and TracePro?
OSLO is used for designing imaging systems — lenses, objectives, instruments. TracePro is optimized for analyzing light distribution in lighting systems. In a complete design process, both tools complement each other.
Is OSLO available for universities?
Lambda Research offers free time-limited licenses (1 year) for students and instructors registered in academic courses. Contact us to obtain an academic license.
Have a question about OSLO?
Our engineer will reply within 1 business day — in Polish, no sales fluff.
Send a questionNeed a quote?
We'll prepare a dedicated offer tailored to your needs and chosen licensing model.
Request a quoteTry OSLO for 14 days
Full version of the software with no restrictions during the trial period. Support in Polish.
Get OSLO trial