Perturbation approach applied to modal diffraction methods.

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Computational Physics
• Materials Science

Background:

• Eigenvalue computation is critical for modal diffraction methods such as rigorous coupled wave analysis (RCWA) and Chandezon method.
• These computations are computationally intensive, significantly impacting overall simulation runtime.
• Existing eigensolution data from prior calculations (e.g., adjacent slices, spectral scans, parameter derivatives) is often available.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel technique for accelerating eigenvalue computation in modal diffraction methods.
• To achieve significant improvements in computational time while maintaining accuracy and reliability.
• To exploit pre-existing eigensolution information for enhanced efficiency.

Main Methods:

• Development of a new technique based on perturbation theory.
• Leveraging known eigensolution information from previous computations.
• Application to modal diffraction methods including RCWA.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated significant improvements in computational time for eigenvalue problems.
• Achieved accurate and highly reliable solutions.
• Successfully utilized existing eigensolution data to reduce computational load.

Conclusions:

• The proposed perturbation-based method offers a computationally efficient alternative for eigenvalue problems in modal diffraction.
• This technique is particularly beneficial in scenarios where eigensolution data is readily available.
• The method provides a pathway to faster and more efficient optical simulations and data analysis.