Hierarchical simulated annealing vs. a Gauss‐Newton scheme applying analytical Jacobians for the solution of a source current distribution problem

Considers, without loss of generality, a simple linear problem, where in a certain domain the magnetic field, generated by infinitely long conductors, whose locations as well as the currents are unknown, has to meet a certain figure. The problem is solved by applying hierarchical simulated annealing, which iteratively reduces the dimension of the search space to save computational cost. A Gauss‐Newton scheme, making use of analytical Jacobians, preceding a sequential quadratic program (SQP), will be applied as a second approach to tackle this severely ill‐posed problem. The results of these two techniques will be analyzed and discussed and some comments on future work will be given.