Reverse design of multifunctional cascade devices based on the adjoint method

Abstract

In this paper, a 1×4 ultra-compact wavelength division multiplexing cascaded device(DMC) with an arbitrary splitting ratio based on adjoint topology optimization reverse design is proposed, which is approximately two orders of magnitude smaller than that of conventional waveguide devices. It can simultaneously perform wavelength demultiplexing, mode conversion, and arbitrary ratio power splitting. The DMC separates 1310 nm and 1550 nm wavelengths, converts the input light from fundamental transverse mode (TE0) to first-order transverse mode (TE1) and second-order transverse modes (TE2), and performs arbitrarily proportional power splitting of the converted higher-order light source.