This article gives a recommended approach to the optimization of non-sequential optical systems. The recommended methods are to use Pixel Interpolation, aggregate detector data (moment of illumination data) and the orthogonal descent optimizer. As an example, a free-form mirror is optimized to maximize the brightness of an LED from 23 Cd to >250 Cd in just a few minutes of optimization.

This article explains the operation of the MTF operands, and the choice of sampling schemes and algorithms available, and gives guidance on the best way to optimize for best MTF.

This article explains:

• The limitations of traditional glass choice methods like Conrady d-D and the use of model glasses
• How to use the Glass Substitution method for direct glass optimization
• How to further restrict glass choice to include factors like glass availability, cost, climate resistance etc.

This article describes work I did to improve an existing infrared lamp heater in a so called horizontal geometry MOCVD reactor. ZEMAX was used to model and optimize the heater geometry using non-sequential ray-tracing.

In most cases, we want to optimize for best performance over some average of the field of view or wavelength range of a system. In some cases, its useful to optimize only the worse-case scenario. This is easy to do, and this article describes how.

This article explains how to utilize a user-defined macro to calculate and return a value to the Merit Function Editor for optimization.

This article is also available in Japanese.

This article explains how to use the TOLR operand to perform an optimization that fully accounts for all manufacturing defects. The technique is robust and stable, and takes full advantage of ZEMAX' ability to run large calculations over multiple processors.