Highly efficient variable step-size binary search algorithm for ultra-compact cyclic three-mode converters

The recent advancements in nano-optics have created a strong demand for ultra-compact, miniaturized photonic devices. However, the mainstream inverse design algorithms face challenges in achieving compact size, efficient performance, and superior process manufacturability simultaneously. The present...

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Main Authors: Yongchen Wang, Hangming Fan, Zhe Yuan, Junlin Pan, Xiaoyang Liu, Mengfan Cheng, Qi Yang, Deming Liu, Lei Deng
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: AIP Publishing LLC 2025-02-01
Series:APL Photonics
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/5.0240649
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author Yongchen Wang
Hangming Fan
Zhe Yuan
Junlin Pan
Xiaoyang Liu
Mengfan Cheng
Qi Yang
Deming Liu
Lei Deng
author_facet Yongchen Wang
Hangming Fan
Zhe Yuan
Junlin Pan
Xiaoyang Liu
Mengfan Cheng
Qi Yang
Deming Liu
Lei Deng
author_sort Yongchen Wang
collection DOAJ
description The recent advancements in nano-optics have created a strong demand for ultra-compact, miniaturized photonic devices. However, the mainstream inverse design algorithms face challenges in achieving compact size, efficient performance, and superior process manufacturability simultaneously. The present study proposes an exceptionally efficient segmented hierarchical variable step-size binary search-based digital inverse design method, aiming to transcend these limitations. The concept of “pixel splitting” is introduced for the first time in this paradigm. By layering the optimization process in several segments, the size of each pixel also changes dynamically, achieving both high efficiency and superior performance. The chosen examples of cyclic mode converters serve as typical complex proof-of-concept structures. The simulation results demonstrate that this method not only maintains excellent manufacturability but also enhances design efficiency over three times and exhibits superior performance. The experimental demonstration of two types of cyclic mode converters (CMCs), with dimensions of 3.84 × 9.6 μm2 and 3.84 × 12 μm2, respectively, based on this model, showcases their significantly smaller footprints compared to previously reported devices. The characterizations of these two CMCs demonstrate minimal insertion losses (<2.86 and <3.26 dB) and minimal crosstalk (<−11.89 and <−9.24 dB) across bandwidths of 50 nm. The data transmission of 3 × 60 Gbps on-off-keying signals and 3 × 80 Gbps four-level pulse amplitude signals are also demonstrated successfully. The proposed variable step-size binary search offers a novel approach for efficiently designing compact digital nano-photonic devices, addressing limitations such as slow convergence, sensitivity to initial patterns, and susceptibility to local optima. In addition, ultra-compact CMCs provide an effective solution for reducing link damage in mode division multiplexing transmission systems.
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spelling doaj-art-e26fb1140f194f47b740233446593a382025-08-20T02:02:01ZengAIP Publishing LLCAPL Photonics2378-09672025-02-01102026105026105-1510.1063/5.0240649Highly efficient variable step-size binary search algorithm for ultra-compact cyclic three-mode convertersYongchen Wang0Hangming Fan1Zhe Yuan2Junlin Pan3Xiaoyang Liu4Mengfan Cheng5Qi Yang6Deming Liu7Lei Deng8Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics and School of Optical and Electronic Information, Wuhan 430074, ChinaHuazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics and School of Optical and Electronic Information, Wuhan 430074, ChinaHuazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics and School of Optical and Electronic Information, Wuhan 430074, ChinaHuazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics and School of Optical and Electronic Information, Wuhan 430074, ChinaHuazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics and School of Optical and Electronic Information, Wuhan 430074, ChinaHuazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics and School of Optical and Electronic Information, Wuhan 430074, ChinaHuazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics and School of Optical and Electronic Information, Wuhan 430074, ChinaHuazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics and School of Optical and Electronic Information, Wuhan 430074, ChinaHuazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics and School of Optical and Electronic Information, Wuhan 430074, ChinaThe recent advancements in nano-optics have created a strong demand for ultra-compact, miniaturized photonic devices. However, the mainstream inverse design algorithms face challenges in achieving compact size, efficient performance, and superior process manufacturability simultaneously. The present study proposes an exceptionally efficient segmented hierarchical variable step-size binary search-based digital inverse design method, aiming to transcend these limitations. The concept of “pixel splitting” is introduced for the first time in this paradigm. By layering the optimization process in several segments, the size of each pixel also changes dynamically, achieving both high efficiency and superior performance. The chosen examples of cyclic mode converters serve as typical complex proof-of-concept structures. The simulation results demonstrate that this method not only maintains excellent manufacturability but also enhances design efficiency over three times and exhibits superior performance. The experimental demonstration of two types of cyclic mode converters (CMCs), with dimensions of 3.84 × 9.6 μm2 and 3.84 × 12 μm2, respectively, based on this model, showcases their significantly smaller footprints compared to previously reported devices. The characterizations of these two CMCs demonstrate minimal insertion losses (<2.86 and <3.26 dB) and minimal crosstalk (<−11.89 and <−9.24 dB) across bandwidths of 50 nm. The data transmission of 3 × 60 Gbps on-off-keying signals and 3 × 80 Gbps four-level pulse amplitude signals are also demonstrated successfully. The proposed variable step-size binary search offers a novel approach for efficiently designing compact digital nano-photonic devices, addressing limitations such as slow convergence, sensitivity to initial patterns, and susceptibility to local optima. In addition, ultra-compact CMCs provide an effective solution for reducing link damage in mode division multiplexing transmission systems.http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/5.0240649
spellingShingle Yongchen Wang
Hangming Fan
Zhe Yuan
Junlin Pan
Xiaoyang Liu
Mengfan Cheng
Qi Yang
Deming Liu
Lei Deng
Highly efficient variable step-size binary search algorithm for ultra-compact cyclic three-mode converters
APL Photonics
title Highly efficient variable step-size binary search algorithm for ultra-compact cyclic three-mode converters
title_full Highly efficient variable step-size binary search algorithm for ultra-compact cyclic three-mode converters
title_fullStr Highly efficient variable step-size binary search algorithm for ultra-compact cyclic three-mode converters
title_full_unstemmed Highly efficient variable step-size binary search algorithm for ultra-compact cyclic three-mode converters
title_short Highly efficient variable step-size binary search algorithm for ultra-compact cyclic three-mode converters
title_sort highly efficient variable step size binary search algorithm for ultra compact cyclic three mode converters
url http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/5.0240649
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