2.1 First Optimization

Here we describe a step-by-step process from taking the Singlet designed in the previous tutorial to optimize for a particular Effective Focal Length (EFL) and minimize RMS Spot Size.

First we ask that you navigate to the CLOUD Dashboard and open the Project from the previous tutorial, which should look similar to the below:

Next using the Simulation Toolbar/Navigation Bar, change tabs to "Parameter".

Now you will notice in the properties pane under the "Acceptance Criteria" section there is a Multi-parameter table which shows a list of Metrics with a Number of Criteria above it. This is where you can construct your Merit Function. Within the Simulation Toolbar on the Parameter Tab one can see that No Metrics have been added Yet. This means that we need to add some criteria to Merit Function to Optimize, and we need to add what the free parameters are. To do so we will start by increasing the "Number of Criteria" to "2" because we want to have both EFL as optimizable and RMS Spot Size.

Next we will click on the first "0" in the Metric Column. This will bring up a context menu with a Menu Search by default. Simply start typing "EFL" or "EFFL" or "Focal Length" and recommendations will appear based on Natural Language Processing (NLP) and based on user intent. Both Code-V and Zemax commands that correspond to operands will also work, as they have been added to the library of commands. Press the "Enter/Return" key to take the first option, or just click on the option that says "Effective Focal Length".

After Accepting Effective Focal Length, there should be a parameter that shows up in the Metrics List within the Simulation Toolbar within the Parameter Tab that says "EFL". Additionally the metric should show up in the Acceptance Criteria table with a default target of 100mm, as shown below:

Next, Click on the other zero within the Acceptance Criteria and type "SS" for spot size and press enter to add this to the Acceptance Criteria List and add it to the Parameter Tab.

After adding the Spot Size Criteria your window should look like the following.

Now we need to tell ODS what to optimize, so we should set the two radii to be variable. In ODS the way to set a parameter to variable is through binding "ctrl+q" or "alt+q". So please click on "Lens 1", and within the Properties Pane, enter the Surface 1, "R" field as if you were to change the Radius and press "ctrl+q" or "alt+q".

When this is done, the properties pane should look as follows. There will be a new "X" symbol on the left side of the field and another parameter added to the list within the Simulation Toolbar on Parameter tab.

Next, drag the pull-tab () up with the mouse to allow for plots and stats to be added and shown, as shown below. This will allow you to drag plots into the QuickDash.

Now Drag in a spot diagram to the "Drag a Plot into the QuickDash" text. A spot diagram should show up in a couple of seconds as shown below. This is the basis for all basic analysis plots which can be added.

Finally press the Optimize Button, and a new Plot will show up with the Merit Function Value (MFV) as a function of iteration number. It live updates while optimization is occuring, and you will expect to see the final design as follows if you click on the blue background to see the Merit Function Values:

Now you have successfully performed an Optimization!