Optimization Wizard

The Optimization Wizard is available in the Automatic Optimization section of the Optimize tab, or by expanding the bar labeled "Wizards and Operands" above the Merit Function Editor data. The Optimization Wizard displays a dialog box which allows selection of the merit function type and relative ray density.

The merit function is a numerical representation of how closely an optical system meets a specified set of goals. OpticStudio uses a list of operands which individually represent different constraints or goals for the system. Operands represent goals such as image quality, focal length, magnification, and many others.

The merit function is proportional to the square root of the weighted sum of the squares of the difference between the actual and target value of each operand in the list. The merit function is defined this way so a value of zero is ideal. The optimization algorithm will attempt to make the value of this function as small as possible, and so the merit function should be a representation of what you want the system to achieve.

Several different types of merit functions are available. The default merit function is constructed using 4 key choices: The optimization type, criterion, reference point, and integration method. The choices are described in the sections below.

Next:

• Optimization Function Types
• Optimization Function Criteria
• Optimization Function Reference Points
• Optimization Function Distortion and Color
• Pupil Integration Settings
• Optimization Goal
• Boundary Values
• Other Settings
• Button Functions