title: Optimal design of nanoplasmonic materials using genetic algorithms as a multiparameter optimization tool.
abstract: An optimal control approach based on multiple parameter genetic algorithms is applied to the design of plasmonic nanoconstructs with predetermined optical properties and functionalities. We first develop nanoscale metallic lenses that focus an incident plane wave onto a prespecified, spatially confined spot. Our results illustrate the mechanism of energy flow through wires and cavities. Next we design a periodic array of silver particles to modify the polarization of an incident, linearly polarized plane wave in a desired fashion while localizing the light in space. The results provide insight into the structural features that determine the birefringence properties of metal nanoparticles and their arrays. Of the variety of potential applications that may be envisioned, we note the design of nanoscale light sources with controllable coherence and polarization properties that could serve for coherent control of molecular, electronic, or electromechanical dynamics in the nanoscale.
authors: Department of Physics and Astronomy, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208-3113, USA.
authors: Joseph
authors: J
authors: Yelk
authors: Maxim
authors: M
authors: Sukharev
authors: Tamar
authors: T
authors: Seideman
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D008957:Models, Genetic; D049329:Nanostructures / Q000737:chemistry*