  Genetic algorithms (GAs) have a long history of over four decades. GAs are
adaptive heuristic search algorithms that provide solutions for optimization
and search problems. The GA derives expression from the biological terminology
of natural selection, crossover, and mutation. In fact, GAs simulate the
processes of natural evolution. Due to their unique simplicity, GAs are applied
to the search space to find optimal solutions to various problems in science
and engineering.
  Using GAs for lens design was investigated mostly in the 1990s, but were not
fully exploited. But in the past few years there have been a number of newer
studies exploring the application of GAs or hybrid GAs in optical design. In
this paper we discuss the basic ideas behind GAs and demonstrate their
application in optical lens design.
