‘First time right’ freeform optics

Abstract Today's design of optical systems relies largely on efficient ray tracing and optimization algorithms. Such a ‘step‐and‐repeat’ approach to typically requires considerable experience, intuition, trial‐and‐error guesswork. Brussels Photonics (B‐PHOT) researchers have developed method that allows highly systematic generation evaluation directly calculated freeform solutions enables rigorous, extensive, real‐time in solution space. Readers the opportunity for hands‐on experience via an open‐access web application.