Topology optimization of a superabsorbing thin-film semiconductor metasurface

authored by

Johannes Gedeon, Izzatjon Allayarov, Emadeldeen Hassan, Antonio Cala Lesina

Abstract

We demonstrate a computational inverse design method for optimizing broadband-absorbing metasurfaces made of arbitrary dispersive media. Our figure of merit is the time-averaged instantaneous power dissipation in a single unit cell within a periodic array. Its time-domain formulation allows capturing the response of arbitrary dispersive media over any desired spectral range. Employing the time-domain adjoint method within a topology optimization framework enables the design of complex metasurface structures exhibiting unprecedented broadband absorption.We applied the method to a thin-film Silicon-on-insulator configuration and explored the impact of structural and (time-domain inherent) excitation parameters on performance over the visible–ultraviolet. We provide a physical insight into the dissipation mechanism of the optimized structures. Since our incorporated material model can represent any linear material, the method can also be applied to other all-dielectric, plasmonic, or hybrid configurations.

Organisation(s)

Hannover Centre for Optical Technologies (HOT)
Institute of Transport and Automation Technology
PhoenixD: Photonics, Optics, and Engineering - Innovation Across Disciplines

External Organisation(s)

Umea University

Type

Article

Journal

IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation

Volume

73

Pages

7932-7942

No. of pages

11

ISSN

0018-926X

Publication date

14.10.2025

Publication status

Published

Peer reviewed

Yes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Electronic version(s)

https://doi.org/10.1109/TAP.2025.3590211 (Access: Open)