A Comprehensive Review of Optimization Techniques in Electromagnetics: Past, Present, and Future

Optimization plays a critical role in the design and analysis of electromagnetic systems, involving the adjustment of input parameters to achieve desired performance metrics. This invited review paper provides a comprehensive overview of popular optimization techniques in electromagnetics and optics focusing on their distinctive features and implementation methodologies. Emphasis is placed on the application of these methods in electromagnetic and optical design including antennas, frequency selective surfaces, metamaterials and metasurfaces, absorbers, lenses, advanced coatings, etc. Moreover, an illustrative global optimization landscape is provided to guide practitioners. A categorized reference list at the end of the paper enables readers to develop deeper appreciations of the specific techniques and their applications, offering a valuable resource for researchers and engineers seeking to enhance their understanding of optimization in electromagnetics.