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Simplex Optimization

SIMPLEX OPTIMIZATION will aid in the optimization of almost any process having a response that depends on many factors. In conventional optimization one factor is varied while others are held constant. This does not work when factors are co-dependent.

Simplex is based on mathematics that allow all factors to be varied together and is not affected by factor dependency.

As many as 20 factors can be optimized while monitoring as many as 30 channels. Simplex has been used for method development by analytical chemists and by engineers optimizing various processes. It's Tutor/Demo is an excellent tool for teachers and students.

For example: if you want to optimize an analytical method for good signal/noise ratio while keeping the effect of matrix effect low you could define a Response:

R_i = Cd_i/sigma_i - 10*f(Cd_mi)
where
Cdi = observed cadmium intensity at the ith experiment
sigmai = observed signal noise at the ith experiment
f(Cdm) = some function of the matrix effect such that an increase in the effect of the matrix causes an increase in the value of the function
Ri = The calculated response at the ith experiment

The matrix effect and the signal-to-noise ratio may be affected by various Factors: eg. pressure, concentration(s) of one or more reagents, signal integration time, etc. It is the values of these factors that the Simplex Optimization program optimizes.

You work with Simplex Optimization in the following manner:

You enter the names and numerical ranges of the Factors

You name the channels that you will use to monitor the Response. In the example above there is only one channel ie Cd

You specify the parameters for Simplex to use during the optimization

For example, whether to maximize or minimize the Response, the Simplex start size (% of Factor Space), the Simplex start position (in Factor Space) and the size of the vector Expansion, Contraction or Massive Contraction terms. All of these concepts are well explained in the on-line Help as well as the on-line electronic manual. In any case it is not necessary for the user to understand these terms or the underlying concepts of Simplex. Indeed the reason for the creation of Simplex was to free the user from the complexity of Simplex and allow the professional to focus on the system being optimized.

For anyone trying to get the best performance out of a system, particularly if the things that affect that system work together to cause the system to respond in a particular way, Simplex Optimization is a must!

(Requires Windows 3.1 or 95, 98 or NT).

P/N A13078

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