Application of multi-dimensional optimization to laboratory control

Abstract

Multidimensional optimization algorithms are shown to be useful in control of experimental apparatus. We describe an interface to a BBC microcomputer which permits the simultaneous operation of up to five stepper-motors, and describe the algorithms used to position apparatus to obtain the extremum of a computer-acquired signal. For reliability and efficiency it is most important to handle correctly effects due to signal noise. One particular example, a nulling ellipsometer, is described in detail.