Each analysis feature and graphic window has its own settings.  We may change them as we desire, and also change the defaults so that the next time we open the same analysis feature, a certain combination of saved settings are used.  Sometimes, it is desirable to observe how the results of an analysis change as a function of a setting (field number, polarized or unpolarized for example).  This may be done manually, or we can automate the process via the ZEMAX macro language, or ZPL.

To make changes to the settings of an analysis feature via the macro language, the MODIFYSETTINGS keyword is required.  It is important to understand that this keyword does not make direct changes to the settings of an open analysis window.  Instead, MODIFYSETTINGS makes changes to the settings files, also known as the configuration (.CFG) files.  For details on what the configuration files are, click here.

So, if the MODIFYSETTINGS keyword does not make direct changes to an open analysis window, how can we update a graphic window to reflect the changes made to the configuration file?  This requires a little “trick” in ZEMAX, which this article describes.  Read on!