Open AccessMeta-atom library generation via an efficient multi-objective shape optimization method
Author(s) -
Eric B. Whiting,
Sawyer D. Campbell,
Lei Kang,
Douglas H. Werner
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - Uncategorized
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.398332
Subject(s) - computer science , topology optimization , polarization (electrochemistry) , global optimization , shape optimization , range (aeronautics) , algorithm , topology (electrical circuits) , mathematical optimization , computational science , optics , materials science , mathematics , physics , finite element method , composite material , thermodynamics , chemistry , combinatorics
Optimizing the shape of metasurface unit cells can lead to tremendous performance gains in several critically important areas. This paper presents a method of generating and optimizing freeform shapes to improve efficiency and achieve multiple metasurface functionalities (e.g., different polarization responses). The designs are generated using a three-dimensional surface contour method, which can produce an extensive range of nearly arbitrary shapes using only a few variables. Unlike gradient-based topology optimization, the proposed method is compatible with existing global optimization techniques that have been shown to significantly outperform local optimization algorithms, especially in complex and multimodal design spaces.