ZEMAX has numerous built-in, non-sequential source types for simulating various spatial and angular source ray distributions. These can range from very simple geometric models, such as the source ray and source point, to more complicated models such as the source filament and source Gaussian. The related knowledge base article listed on the last page of this article details the various methods available for modeling complex source distribution.

The polar detector can be used to measure the radiant intensity of any source, including imported sources, such as IESNA or EULUMDAT sources. After a source has been chosen and an optical system has been modeled and/or optimized using that ray distribution, it may be necessary to export the individual source data or system optical output to a standard format recognizable by multiple different software platforms. ZEMAX has the ability to export source data in IESNA or EULUMDAT formats using the polar detector and source export tool. In the following example, we will look at the procedure involved in exporting angular source data and the ability to import it back into ZEMAX to verify the proper energy distribution.