A∗ -based layout design for gratings allocation

In the design process of gratings, the grating layout design is the most important activity influencing manufacturing cost. In the grating layout design, the key to saving manufacturing cost is to find a design with a minimal number of cutting operations. This paper presents an application of the A∗ algorithm in grating layout design. The design problem is represented as the space search problem of design alternatives. A∗ explores the feasible alternatives within the space, until an optimal solution is obtained.