Generating saddle points in the merit function landscape of optical systems

Florian Bociort; Maarten van Turnhout

doi:10.1117/12.624867

14 October 2005 Generating saddle points in the merit function landscape of optical systems

Proceedings Volume 5962, Optical Design and Engineering II; 59620S (2005) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.624867
Event: Optical Systems Design 2005, 2005, Jena, Germany

Abstract

Finding multiple local minima in the merit function landscape of optical system optimization is a difficult task, especially for complex designs that have a large number of variables. We discuss here a method that enables a rapid generation of new local minima for optical systems of arbitrary complexity. We have recently shown that saddle points known in mathematics as Morse index 1 saddle points can be useful for global optical system optimization. In this work we show that by inserting a thin meniscus lens (or two mirror surfaces) into an optical design with N surfaces that is a local minimum, we obtain a system with N+2 surfaces that is a Morse index 1 saddle point. A simple method to compute the required meniscus curvatures will be discussed. Then, letting the optimization roll down on both sides of the saddle leads to two different local minima. Often, one of them has interesting special properties.

Citation Download Citation

Florian Bociort and Maarten van Turnhout "Generating saddle points in the merit function landscape of optical systems", Proc. SPIE 5962, Optical Design and Engineering II, 59620S (14 October 2005); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.624867

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