Topology optimization for refractory plasmonic applications (Conference Presentation)

Advanced nanophotonic concepts, such as photonic crystals, metamaterials and metasurfaces, have enabled unique functionalities including, negative refraction, hyperbolic dispersion, optical magnetism, control of quantum emitters, epsilon-near-zero phenomena, and enhanced light-matter interactions. With the recent development of new plasmonic/photonic materials and nano-fabrication techniques, nanophotonic devices are now capable of providing novel solutions to global challenges including world energy consumption, rapid and accurate chemical/biological detection, quantum computing/security, telecom information densities, and space exploration. These problems are inherently complex due to their multi-disciplinary nature, requiring a manifold of stringent constraints in conjunction with optical performance. Topology optimization has emerged as a successful architect for the systematic design of photonic structures and provide solutions for aforementioned the problems. In this talk, we will highlight recent progress in the field of topology optimization for nanophotonics, share our ongoing results and observations, and discuss future research challenges and directions. In particular, we will discuss our progress in developing solar- thermophotovoltaics components using topology optimization. One of the main aspects of our current work is expanding and streamlining conventional meta-device design methodology to a global optimization space by 1) advancing topology optimization via artificial-intelligence-assisted algorithms and 2) by extending the optimization parameter space into materials domain through optical materials development and multiphysics simulations.