Various simulations of volume-based sources are explored, beginning with an overview of optical design software, the industry that utilizes it, and a procedural outline for source simulation. These simulations are explained from the simplest to most complex methodologies to date. Two basic approximations of the volume-emitter, (1) a tubular surface distribution and (2) a cylindrical volume distribution, that cannot model the asymmetry of the original emitting-volume are considered. Simulation methodologies that rely on mathematical tools are investigated. Using a CCD image of the emission and the inverse Abel transform, a two-dimensional (2D) irradiance distribution is transformed into a three-dimensional (3D) emitting volume. An algorithm developed to handle asymmetric volume-emitters is discussed, and the results of the simulated are are compared to its original CCD image. In addition, the geometry of the are source is modeled in a CAD (Computer Aided Design) program, and optical properties are assigned to its components in the optical/illumination design program. Using the most detailed emitter simulation, an assessment of the source geometry's influence on system output is made. The need for a detailed volume-emitter simulation is demonstrated through system output comparisons between those utilizing the most complicated simulation and those using basic surface and volume approximations of the actual emitting-volume.
