title: Sensitivity analysis and optimization of sub-wavelength optical gratings using adjoints.
abstract: Numerical optimization of photonic devices is often limited by a large design space the finite-differences gradient method requires as many electric field computations as there are design parameters. Adjoint-based optimization can deliver the same gradients with only two electric field computations. Here, we derive the relevant adjoint formalism and illustrate its application for a waveguide slab, and for the design of optical sub-wavelength gratings.
authors.forename: Armand C R
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Niederberger
authors.forename: David A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Fattal
authors.forename: Nicolas R
authors.initials: NR
authors.lastname: Gauger
authors.forename: Shanhui
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Fan
authors.forename: Raymond G
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Beausoleil