A level-set procedure for the design of electromagnetic metamaterials

Opt Express. 2010 Mar 29;18(7):6693-702. doi: 10.1364/OE.18.006693.

Abstract

Achieving negative permittivity and negative permeability signifies a key topic of research in the design of metamaterials. This paper introduces a level-set based topology optimization method, in which the interface between the vacuum and metal phases is implicitly expressed by the zero-level contour of a higher dimensional level-set function. Following a sensitivity analysis, the optimization maximizes the objective based on the normal direction of the level-set function and induced current flow, thereby generating the desirable patterns of current flow on metal surface. As a benchmark example, the U-shaped structure and its variations are obtained from the level-set topology optimization. Numerical examples demonstrate that both negative permittivity and negative permeability can be attained.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Computer Simulation
  • Electromagnetic Fields*
  • Electromagnetic Phenomena
  • Equipment Design
  • Materials Testing
  • Metals / chemistry
  • Models, Statistical
  • Models, Theoretical
  • Optics and Photonics*
  • Permeability

Substances

  • Metals