PHIDL: Python CAD layout and geometry creation for nanolithography

TL;DR

PHIDL is an open-source Python library that simplifies the creation and manipulation of GDSII layouts for nanolithography, making CAD design more accessible and user-friendly for scientists and students.

Contribution

The paper introduces PHIDL, a new Python-based CAD tool that improves usability and scripting capabilities for GDSII layout design in nanolithography.

Findings

Enhanced usability for GDSII design in Python

Reduced barriers for scientists and students in CAD scripting

Open-source tool with improved geometry relation handling

Abstract

Computer-aided design (CAD) has become a critical element in the creation of nanopatterned structures and devices. In particular, with the increased adoption of easy-to-learn programming languages like Python there has been a significant rise in the amount of lithographic geometries generated through scripting and programming. However, there are currently unaddressed gaps in usability for open-source CAD tools -- especially those in the GDSII design space -- that prevent wider adoption by scientists and students who might otherwise benefit from scripted design. For example, constructing relations between adjacent geometries is often much more difficult than necessary -- spacing a resonator structure a few micrometers from a readout structure often requires manually-coding the placement arithmetic. While inconveniences like this can be overcome by writing custom functions, they are often significant barriers to entry for new users or those less familiar with programming. To help streamline the design process and reduce barrier to entry for scripting designs, we have developed PHIDL, an open-source GDSII-based CAD tool for Python 2 and 3.