High Performance Optimization: Theory, Algorithm Design and Engineering Applications

Due to the explosive growth in the technology for manufacturing integrated circuits, modern chips contain millions of transistors. Using sophisticated optimization algorithms, it is possible to achieve notable increases in the performance of the chips, reduce the manufacturing costs, and produce faster, cheaper computing for society. Thus, the objective of this project is to enhance the solution of large-scale optimization problems arising in these applications. In the past year, the team studied the Ontario electricity market, completing a detailed survey that identified current shortcomings and possible improvements. This research also explored competitive market designs that factor in system security in order to avoid interruptions in the power supply, including blackouts. With optimization also playing an important role in improving the quality of health care, the team developed novel ways to design exact dose prescriptions, and minimize the negative impacts of Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy, a high-precision radiotherapy technique that utilizes computer-controlled x-ray accelerators to hit cancerous tumors with carefully controlled radiation doses.