Optimization Dialog

The optimization method is based on the approach suggested by Davidon (1959), and further developed by Fletcher and Powell (see the last reference in Introduction). The Davidon - Fletcher - Powell method is a Quasi-Newton Method also known as the Variable Metrics Method.

The Optimization Dialog contains at the creating a copy of the initial structure of the parent project window. It comprises three pages:

• Variable Parameters page is destined for the assignment of the set of the structure variable parameters and their initial values. The user can change these initial values at will and in accordance of she's intuition.
• Criterion Function page which the user can use for defining the targeted output power of diffracted waves or angular resonance positions of the structure under established conditions (arguments). The second option is available only in collinear versions.
• Optimization page contains the controls of the optimization process.

Under the pager area there are three buttons:

• Export replaces the structure of the parent project window by the current structure of the Optimization Dialog and hides the Optimization Dialog. Only the current point Criterion Function Arguments of active fields will be exported as the parent project structure parameters. This action also exports the other content of the three Optimization Dialog pages which will be added to the structure text file in a form hidden for the user but accessible with any external text redactor.
• Ok hides the current Optimization Dialog.
• Clear abolishes all changes in the Optimization Dialog, removes the corresponding part in the structure text file and closes dialog.

Note If the Optimization Dialog already exists but hidden and the user opens it by pressing Optimize control a warning or conformation dialog may appear. The warning dialog corresponds to the parent project structure changes incompatible with the Optimization Dialog settings, for example number of layers was changed. The conformation dialog appears if the parent project structure changes influence the optimization result, for example invariable layer thickness was changed.