Inverse design of photonic structures using topology optimization

Photonic inverse design methods are significantly more efficient than traditional photonic design methods. Unlike traditional methods, it operates on the full design area with only two simulations, forward and adjoint simulations. Using the topology optimization method in the inverse design of photonic devices enables the devices to be optimized for user-specified parameters. The topology optimization method shows better performance when compared to other methods. On the other hand, the fabrication compatibility of device geometries is the most significant challenge with structures created through topology optimization. In this thesis, fabrication-compatible photonic devices, a power splitter, and a spectral filter are designed using the topology optimization method. To make the devices more fabrication-compatible, filtering methods were used to remove small features and smooth sharp corners. 90%:10% power splitters and spectral filters were fabricated on silicon-on-insulator and devices exhibited sufficient performance.