Adaptive Finite Element Method for Simulation of Optical Nano Structures

TL;DR

This paper presents an adaptive finite element method tailored for simulating and optimizing optical nano-structures, focusing on convergence, adaptive refinement, and higher order elements to improve design accuracy.

Contribution

It introduces a novel adaptive finite element approach specifically designed for nano-photonic component simulation, including vectorial element construction and handling unbounded domains.

Findings

Demonstrates convergence of the adaptive method

Shows improved performance with higher order elements

Validates approach through design optimization of photonic crystal fiber

Abstract

We discuss realization, properties and performance of the adaptive finite element approach to the design of nano-photonic components. Central issues are the construction of vectorial finite elements and the embedding of bounded components into the unbounded and possibly heterogeneous exterior. We apply the finite element method to the optimization of the design of a hollow core photonic crystal fiber. Thereby we look at the convergence of the method and discuss automatic and adaptive grid refinement and the performance of higher order elements.