Abstract

Needle optimization [1, 2, 3, 4] is a powerful technique for finding good starting designs, which traditional local optimization methods can then refine into useful coating designs. Because modem coating designs may require the use of unusual merit functions, it is important to know when the needle method can be employed successfully. This paper shows a new formulation of the needle optimization method and explores several general merit functions.

© 1998 Optical Society of America