Optimization for illumination systems: the next level of design

Abstract

Computers are routinely used to design illumination systems. Automating the design process is enhanced through the use of optimization procedures. This paper describes some of the underlying illumination optimization fundamentals: parameterization, merit functions, and optimization algorithms. Numerous interesting examples of illumination design problems that benefit from optimization are shown. These examples illustrate illumination optimization through use of ray aiming, computing illuminance using flux tubes, and computing illuminance using Monte Carlo simulations.