Shape optimizations for body-assisted light-matter interactions

TL;DR

This paper introduces a shape optimization algorithm using level-set and FDTD methods to significantly enhance light-matter interaction rates in dielectric environments, demonstrated through resonance energy transfer improvements.

Contribution

It presents a novel shape optimization approach for macroscopic QED systems, enabling substantial enhancement of energy transfer rates.

Findings

Resonance energy transfer rate increased by several orders of magnitude.

The level-set method effectively evolves dielectric geometries.

Finite-difference time-domain techniques validate the optimization.

Abstract

We implement a shape optimization algorithm for body-assisted light-matter interactions described by the formalism of macroscopic quantum electrodynamics. The approach uses the level-set method to represent and incrementally evolve dielectric environments. Utilizing finite-difference time-domain techniques we demonstrate the ability of the algorithm by optimizing the rate of resonance energy transfer in two dimensions. The resulting geometries enhance the transfer rate by several orders of magnitude.