Optimising a 3 dimensional shape

[olkovi]

So, in this tutorial it appears that it is possible to one surface of a plate to produce a desired light distribution. I wonder if a more complex 3D shape could be achieved similarly?

[njroussel]

Hi @olkovi

If I understand your question correctly, yes it is possible. The surface being optimized is just a triangle mesh that happens to be mostly flat, but in fact it could be a sphere or something similar.
To be clear, I'm just saying that it is technically possible - from an implementation standpoint. I do not know how it would actually behave in practice: too many local minimas? too ambiguous? etc.