OPTICAL DESIGN WITH THE AID OF A GENETIC ALGORITHM

Natural evolution is widely accepted as being the process underlying t he design and optimization of the sensory functions of biological orga nisms. Using a genetic algorithm, this process is extended to the auto matic optimization and design of optical systems, e.g, as used in astr onomical telescopes. The results of this feasibility study indicate th at various types of aberrations can be corrected quickly and simultane ously, even on small computers.