The optical performance of interference filters depends on systematic
and statistical variations of the thicknesses and indices of refractio
n of the layers that occur during production and use. Assuming that th
eir distributions are known, the expected performance can be optimized
as a function of the nominal layer thicknesses with the help of strat
egies that mimic biological evolution. This results in filter designs
that are easier to manufacture and more robust to use. The method is i
llustrated for color shifts that are rather sensitive to layer thickne
ss variations. Its scope is entirely general, and it could be applied
to other tolerancing problems that arise in optical design. (C) 1996 O
ptical Society of America