A Comprehensive Review of Optimization Techniques in Electromagnetics: Past, Present, and Future

Optimization plays a critical role in the design and analysis of electromagnetic (EM) systems, involving the adjustment of input parameters to achieve desired performance metrics. This invited review article provides a comprehensive overview of popular optimization techniques in EMs and optics focusing on their distinctive features and implementation methodologies. Emphasis is placed on the application of these methods in EM and optical design including antennas, frequency-selective surfaces (FSSs), metamaterials and metasurfaces, absorbers, lenses, advanced coatings, etc. Moreover, an illustrative global optimization landscape is provided to guide practitioners. A comprehensive reference list at the end of this article enables readers to develop deeper appreciations of the specific techniques and their applications, offering a valuable resource for researchers and engineers seeking to enhance their understanding of optimization in EMs.