Multi-task topology optimization of photonic devices in low-dimensional Fourier domain via deep learning

• Published in: Nanophotonics (Berlin, Germany) Vol. 12; no. 5; pp. 1007 - 1018
• Main Authors: Mao, Simei, Cheng, Lirong, Chen, Houyu, Liu, Xuanyi, Geng, Zihan, Li, Qian, Fu, Hongyan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin De Gruyter 10.03.2023; Walter de Gruyter GmbH
• Subjects: Artificial neural networks; Deep learning; Degrees of freedom; Design optimization; Devices; Domains; Electromagnetic wave filters; Filter design (mathematics); Free form; Inverse design; Machine learning; Optimization; Photonics; silicon photonics; Topology optimization; Waveguides
• ISSN: 2192-8614; 2192-8606; 2192-8614
• DOI: 10.1515/nanoph-2022-0361

Silicon photonics enables compact integrated photonic devices with versatile functionalities and mass manufacturing capability. However, the optimization of high-performance free-form optical devices is still challenging due to the complex light-matter interaction involved that requires time-consuming electromagnetic simulations. This problem becomes even more prominent when multiple devices are required, typically requiring separate iterative optimizations. To facilitate multi-task inverse design, we propose a topology optimization method based on deep neural network (DNN) in low-dimensional Fourier domain. The DNN takes target optical responses as inputs and predicts low-frequency Fourier components, which are then utilized to reconstruct device geometries. Removing high-frequency components for reduced design degree-of-freedom (DOF) helps control minimal features and speed up training. For demonstration, the proposed method is utilized for wavelength filter design. The trained DNN can design multiple filters instantly and concurrently with high accuracy. Totally different targets can also be further optimized through transfer learning on existing network with greatly reduced optimization rounds. Our approach can be also adapted to other free-form photonic devices, including a waveguide-coupled single-photon source that we demonstrate to prove generalizability. Such DNN-assisted topology optimization significantly reduces the time and resources required for multi-task optimization, enabling large-scale photonic device design in various applications.