Designing optical coatings by means of genetic algorithms

摘要

This paper presents a new method of designing optical coatings, using evolutionary strategies based on genetic algorithms. It discusses methods of encoding alternative solutions and genetic operators of crossover, selection, genetic pressure, and mutation as applied to problems of synthesizing multilayer thin-film systems. It shows that these operators affect the rate at which the algorithm converges. The possibilities of the method are illustrated, using the design of broad-band antireflection coatings for items made from germanium as an example. (C) 2015 Optical Society of America.