Shape optimization for high efficiency metasurfaces: theory and implementation

TL;DR

This paper introduces a shape optimization approach for designing high-efficiency metasurfaces that balances performance and manufacturability, addressing challenges posed by complex interactions and fabrication constraints.

Contribution

It presents a novel shape optimization method that improves efficiency and control over structure complexity, facilitating practical manufacturing of inverse-designed metasurfaces.

Findings

Numerical and experimental validation of the optimization method.

Achieved high efficiency with controlled structure complexity.

Enhanced manufacturability of metasurfaces through shape optimization.

Abstract

Complex non-local behavior makes designing high efficiency and multifunctional metasurfaces a significant challenge. While using libraries of meta-atoms provide a simple and fast implementation methodology, pillar to pillar interaction often imposes performance limitations. On the other extreme, inverse design based on topology optimization leverages non-local coupling to achieve high efficiency, but leads to complex and difficult to fabricate structures. In this paper, we demonstrate numerically and experimentally a shape optimization method that enables high efficiency metasurfaces while providing direct control of the structure complexity. The proposed method provides a path towards manufacturability of inverse-designed high efficiency metasurfaces.