Synthesizing high-performance reconfigurable meta-devices through multi-objective optimization

Metasurfaces offer the potential to realize large SWaP (size, weight, and power) reduction over conventional optical elements for their ability to achieve comparable functionalities in ultrathin geometries. Moreover, metasurfaces designed with phase change materials offer the potential to go beyond what is achievable by conventional optics by enabling multiple functionalities in a single reconfigurable meta-device. However, designing a single metasurface geometry that simultaneously achieves multiple desired functionalities while meeting all bandwidth requirements and fabrication constraints is a very challenging problem. Fortunately, this challenge can be overcome by the use of state-of-the-art multi-objective optimization algorithms which are well-suited for the inverse-design of multifunctional meta-devices.