Possibilities of the finite-difference time-domain method for hybrid optical simulations

The purpose of this article will be to find a basis for a connection of Ray Tracing simulations and wave propagation methods using Finite-Difference Time-Domain simulations. Since Ray Tracing uses geometric optic only refractive optics is considered. However, in modern lighting systems the optical elements become increasingly smaller resulting in the occurrence of diffractive phenomena. Those phenomena cannot be considered using Ray Tracing simulations. Further possibilities using a Finite-Difference Time-Domain methods to characterize the scattering behavior after the wave passes the optical element and analyse material parameters will be listed.