A Study on Topology Optimization of Plasmonic Waveguide Devices Using Function Expansion Method and Evolutionary Approach

We propose a novel topology optimization method for plasmonic devices. Plasmonic devices that have a great potential to downsize various optical devices beyond the diffraction limit attract a lot of attention. In order to develop high-performance plasmonic devices, a novel design theory is expected to be established instead of the conventional theory for dielectric waveguide devices. In this paper, we employ the function expansion method to express a device structure in the design region and optimize the design variables by using several evolutionary approaches, which do not require the sensitivity analysis. The validity and usefulness of this approach are demonstrated through the design examples of optical diode and optical circulator.