Inverse design in nanophotonics. Issue 11 (November 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Molesky, Sean; Lin, Zin; Piggott, Alexander; Jin, Weiliang; Vucković, Jelena; Rodriguez, Alejandro
• Is Part Of: Nature photonics. Volume 12:Issue 11(2018)
• Page Start: 659
• Page End: 670
• Publication Date: 2018-11
• Subjects: Photonics -- Periodicals; 621.36
• DOI: 10.1038/s41566-018-0246-9
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1749-4885

Abstract

Abstract Recent advancements in computational inverse-design approaches — algorithmic techniques for discovering optical structures based on desired functional characteristics — have begun to reshape the landscape of structures available to nanophotonics. Here, we outline a cross-section of key developments in this emerging field of photonic optimization: moving from a recap of foundational results to motivation of applications in nonlinear, topological, near-field and on-chip optics. Starting with a desired optical output it is possible to use computational algorithms to inverse design devices. The approach is reviewed here with an emphasis on nanophotonics.