FluxCore Dynamics Documentation

Everything you need to master photonic design

DocumentationPhotonic Editor

Photonic Editor

Professional-grade drag-and-drop interface for designing photonic integrated circuits

Intermediate
Last updated: January 15, 202515 min readeditor, design, canvas, components
Visual Design
Real-Time
Voice-Enabled

Revolutionary Photonic Design Environment

FluxCore Dynamics's editor combines the intuitive experience of modern design tools with the precision required for photonic circuit design, featuring real-time physics feedback and industry-first accessibility.

Intuitive Interface

Drag-and-drop design with smart snapping, alignment guides, and contextual menus.

Real-Time Feedback

Live design rule checking, performance hints, and physics simulation integration.

3D Visualization

WebGL-powered 3D rendering with photorealistic materials and lighting.

Accessibility First:

Complete voice control, keyboard navigation, and screen reader support

Editor Interface Components

Workspace Layout

Component Library

Browse and search photonic components

Design Canvas

Main design workspace with grid and rulers

Properties Panel

Component parameters and design settings

Simulation View

Real-time physics and field visualization

Customizable Interface:

  • Resizable and dockable panels
  • Customizable toolbars and shortcuts
  • Multiple workspace layouts
  • Dark and light themes
  • Multi-monitor support
  • Floating panel windows
  • Context-sensitive menus
  • Voice command integration

Core Design Tools

Selection & Navigation

Precise selection and navigation tools for efficient design workflow.

Selection Tools:
  • Click selection with modifier keys
  • Rectangle and lasso selection
  • Layer-aware selection filtering
  • Selection groups and hierarchy
Navigation:
  • Smooth zoom and pan controls
  • Fit to view and zoom to selection
  • Bird's eye overview window
  • Bookmark specific view positions

Transform & Manipulation

Precise transformation tools for positioning and orienting components.

Basic Transforms:
  • Move with constraint axes
  • Rotate with angle snapping
  • Scale uniform or per-axis
  • Mirror and flip operations
Precision Tools:
  • Numeric input for exact values
  • Alignment and distribution tools
  • Smart guides and snapping
  • Reference point selection

Duplication & Arrays

Efficient duplication tools for creating arrays and repeated structures.

Simple CopyCtrl+C, Ctrl+V
Linear ArrayDrag + Alt
Circular ArrayRight-click menu
Step & RepeatVoice: "Array 5x3"

Grid & Alignment

Precision alignment and grid systems for accurate component placement.

Smart GridAdaptive spacing
Polar GridCircular layouts
Custom GridUser-defined spacing

Design Workflow

1Starting a New Design

Creating Your Design:

  1. Click "New Design" from the dashboard
  2. Choose a template or start blank
  3. Set design specifications (wavelength, materials)
  4. Configure canvas size and units
  5. Select fabrication process constraints

Voice Command: Say "New photonic design" to start instantly

Design Templates:

  • Blank Canvas: Start from scratch
  • Ring Resonator: Basic filter design
  • MZI Switch: 2x2 optical switch
  • AWG: Array waveguide grating
  • Sensor Array: Multi-channel sensing
  • Custom: Import your own template

2Adding Components from Library

The component library contains hundreds of validated photonic components organized by category and function.

Waveguides

  • Straight waveguides
  • Curved bends
  • Tapered sections
  • Multi-mode guides

Passive Components

  • Directional couplers
  • Ring resonators
  • Y-branches
  • MMI couplers

Active Devices

  • Phase modulators
  • Photodetectors
  • Thermal heaters
  • VOAs

Adding Components:

  • Drag & Drop: From library to canvas
  • Double-Click: Add at cursor position
  • Search: Type component name in library
  • Voice: "Add ring resonator"
  • Favorites: Quick access to common parts
  • Recent: Previously used components

3Connecting Components

FluxCore Dynamics provides intelligent connection tools that understand photonic design rules and constraints.

Connection Methods:

Auto-Connect

Components automatically connect when ports align within tolerance

Manual Routing

Drag connection lines between ports for custom routing

Smart Waveguides

AI-optimized routing with minimum bend radius constraints

Connection Indicators:

Valid connection
Connection error
Mode mismatch warning
Optimizable connection

4Parameter Configuration

Fine-tune component parameters using the properties panel with real-time performance feedback.

Parameter Types:

Geometricwidth, length, radius

Physical dimensions and shapes

Materialrefractive index, loss

Optical properties and composition

Operatingwavelength, temperature

Environmental and operational conditions

Input Methods:

  • Numeric text input with units
  • Slider controls for ranges
  • Dropdown menus for discrete values
  • Voice input: "Set width to 450 nanometers"
  • Mathematical expressions support
  • Parameter linking and constraints

Real-Time Feedback:

As you adjust parameters, FluxCore Dynamics provides instant feedback on performance impact, design rule violations, and optimization suggestions using AI analysis.

Advanced Editor Features

Layer Management

Organize complex designs with hierarchical layer system.

  • Multiple fabrication layers (core, cladding, metal)
  • Layer visibility and locking controls
  • Custom layer properties and colors
  • Cross-layer design rule checking

Measurement Tools

Precise measurement and annotation tools for design verification.

  • Distance and angle measurements
  • Area and perimeter calculations
  • Annotation and labeling tools
  • Dimension lines with tolerances

Design Navigation

Efficient navigation tools for large and complex designs.

  • Hierarchical design browser
  • Bookmark and goto locations
  • Search and filter components
  • Mini-map for large designs

Voice & Accessibility

Industry-first accessibility features for inclusive design.

  • Complete voice control interface
  • Keyboard-only navigation
  • Screen reader compatibility
  • High contrast visual modes

Essential Keyboard Shortcuts

Selection & Navigation:

Select AllCtrl+A
Pan ViewMiddle Mouse
Zoom FitF
Zoom SelectionShift+F

Edit Operations:

CopyCtrl+C
PasteCtrl+V
UndoCtrl+Z
DeleteDel

Tools & Views:

Move ToolM
Rotate ToolR
Toggle GridG
Simulation ViewS

Voice Commands for Hands-Free Design

FluxCore Dynamics's revolutionary voice interface enables complete hands-free design workflow:

Component Operations:

"Add ring resonator"
Places component at cursor
"Select all waveguides"
Filters selection by type
"Move selected right 5 microns"
Precise positioning
"Connect port A to port B"
Automatic routing

Analysis & Navigation:

"Run simulation"
Starts physics simulation
"Zoom to fit all"
View navigation
"Set wavelength to 1550 nanometers"
Parameter adjustment
"Save design"
File operations

Learn More: Visit our complete voice interface guidefor advanced commands and customization options.

Editor Best Practices

Design Organization:

  • Use meaningful component names and groups
  • Organize with layers for complex designs
  • Maintain consistent design rules
  • Document design intent with annotations

Performance Optimization:

  • Use real-time feedback for design decisions
  • Enable auto-save for large designs
  • Leverage voice commands for repetitive tasks
  • Use templates for common design patterns