Inverse-designed all-dielectric optical diode

The objective-first inverse-design algorithm is used to design an ultra-compact all-dielectric optical diode. Based on silicon and air only, this optical diode relies on asymmetric spatial mode conversion between the left and right ports. The first even mode incident from the left port is transmitted to the right port after being converted into an odd mode. On the other hand, same mode incident from the right port is reflected back by the optical diode dielectric structure. The convergence and performance of the algorithm are studied, along with a transform method that converts continuous permittivity medium into a binary material design. The optimal device is studied with full electromagnetic simulations to compare its behavior under right and left incidences, in 2D and 3D settings as well. A broadband optical diode is reported with a large ratio between the two transmission directions. This illustrates the potential of the objective-first inverse-design method to design ultra-compact broadband photonic devices.