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Inverse Design in Photonics

6 Lectures

1 Introduction to Inverse Design In Photonics

13 mins Start

13 mins

In this lecture, we give a broad introduction to the concept of computational design in photonics. We show how simulation and mathematical optimization can be combined to analyze and design photonic devices effectively.

Introduction to Inverse Design in Photonics: Lecture 1 | Flexcompute

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2 Inverse Design in Photonics Lecture 2: Adjoint Method

18 mins Start

18 mins

In this lecture, we derive the adjoint variable method for computing the gradient of the figure of merit of a photonic device. We derive this gradient from first principles, starting from the solution of Maxwell’s equations in the frequency domain. Using a simple example of focusing electromagnetic field intensity at a single position, we derive the relevant terms in the gradient and give physical interpretation. We discuss how this method provides gradient information with only two simulations, regardless of the number of design parameters, and how this enables inverse design optimization.

Inverse Design in Photonics Lecture 2: Adjoint Method | Flexcompute

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3 Inverse Design in Photonics Lecture 3: Adjoint Optimization

15 mins Start

15 mins

In this lecture, we show how to use the previously introduced “adjoint variable method” to perform gradient-based optimization of a focusing lens. We set up a simple device based on a pixellated array of permittivity values, compute the gradient of this array with respect to the focusing strength of our lens, and then perform an optimization to achieve a final device that focuses light successfully.

Inverse Design in Photonics Lecture 3: Adjoint Optimization | Flexcompute

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4 Inverse Design in Photonics Lecture 4: Fabrication Constraints

15 mins Start

15 mins

In this lecture, we will discuss the need for fabrication constraints in inverse design optimization. We describe one approach to this and demonstrate it by optimizing a Silicon photonics mode converter.

Inverse Design in Photonics Lecture 4: Fabrication Constraints | Flexcompute

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5 Inverse Design in Photonics Lecture 5: Shape Optimization

15 mins Start

15 mins

In this lecture, we introduce a method to optimize your device with respect to a geometric parameterization using inverse design and the adjoint method. As an example, we demonstrate the inverse design of a 90 degree waveguide bend by shifting the boundaries of the device.

Inverse Design in Photonics Lecture 5: Shape Optimization | Flexcompute

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6 Inverse Design in Photonics Lecture 6: Level Set Parameterization

12 mins Start

12 mins

In this lecture, we introduce a method to optimize your device using a level set parameterization using inverse design and the adjoint method. As an example, we demonstrate the inverse design of a waveguide splitter.