A recent online workshop held on June 4, 2025, brought together the developers and potential users to present the current status and discuss the roadmap of the OPOSSUM (Open-source Optics Simulation System and Unified Modeler) software framework. Developed within the THRILL project, OPOSSUM aims to be a flexible, open-source platform for a wide range of optical simulations.

The event, hosted by the OPOSSUM developers Udo Eisenbarth and Yannik Zobus from GSI (Darmstadt, Germany), provided a first look at the software, which is still in its early design phase. The presentation covered the core concepts, the project’s current status, and a short preview of the upcoming graphical user interface, which is key for the software’s future usability. The workshop successfully gathered initial feedback from the community. With up to 33 participants from institutions across Europe – including Germany, Spain, Norway, France, and the UK – the event highlighted significant interest from both within and outside the THRILL project.

A key part of the workshop was gathering feedback on desired features. During a Q&A session, attendees inquired about future capabilities such as the inclusion of acousto-optic dispersive filters (Dazzlers), modeling for laser amplifier pumping, and handling birefringence.

A survey provided further insight into user priorities. The most requested features were:

• Modeling for amplification
• Tools for setup optimization
• Fourier propagation capabilities

Participants also expressed strong interest in using OPOSSUM for designing and optimizing complex optical systems, simulating femtosecond and nanosecond lasers, and ensuring beam stability. Some users also requested more advanced functions, such as temporal control mechanisms and the modeling of thermal phenomena, indicating a desire for multi-physics capabilities. This feedback suggests a strong community interest in developing OPOSSUM to handle both spatial and temporal aspects of sophisticated laser systems.