A least-squares method for the inverse reflector problem in arbitrary orthogonal coordinates

In this article we solve the inverse reflector problem for a light source emitting a parallel light bundle and a target in the far-field of the reflector by use of a least-squares method. We derive the Monge–Ampère equation, expressing conservation of energy, while assuming an arbitrary coordinate system. We generalize a Cartesian coordinate least-squares method presented earlier by Prins et al. [13] to arbitrary orthogonal coordinate systems. This generalized least-squares method provides us the freedom to choose a coordinate system suitable for the shape of the light source. This results in significantly increased numerical accuracy. Decrease of errors by factors up to 104 is reported. We present the generalized least-squares method and compare its numerical results with the Cartesian version for a disk-shaped light source. •Novel least-squares algorithm.•Significant improvement of accuracy.•Speed-up of convergence.