arXiv subjects

Jacob M. Hiesener

Publications and source records attributed to Jacob M. Hiesener.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Toward Topology-Optimized Foundry PDKs: A Seeded Design Framework for Multimode Interferometers

We present an end-to-end design methodology for multimode interferometer (MMI)-based photonic devices that combines parameter optimization (PO) on analytical models with seeded topology optimization (TO) to maximize performance while preserving foundry design-rule compliance. A PO seed device is further refined via seeded TO, accessing a larger design space than analytical or parameterized methods alone can reach. We validate this pipeline on a 1x2 splitter, a TE modal multiplexer, and a polarization splitter, fabricating and measuring the first two on a commercial foundry process. Seeded TO reduces the measured insertion loss of the 1x2 splitter from 0.20 to 0.14 dB and improves TE00 transmission of the modal multiplexer from -2.79 to -1.01 dB over O-band. Applying this pipeline to a commercial foundry process design kit (PDK)-provided 1x2 and 2x2 splitter improves simulated transmission and tightens the 2x2 splitting ratio from 0.524 to 0.506, along with improved fabrication robustness, offering a practical, foundry-validated route toward incorporating TO-designed components into commercial PDKs.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2025

Seeded Topology Optimization for Commercial Foundry Integrated Photonics

We present a seeded topology optimization methodology for integrated photonic devices fabricated on foundry platforms that yields improved performance compared to traditional topology optimization. We employ blurring filters and a design rule check correction algorithm to more readily meet fabrication constraints, resulting in devices with fewer artifacts and improved correlation between simulation and measurements. A statistical study is performed on a 2D modal multiplexer, revealing that 87% of devices optimized using this strategy conform to foundry constraints, compared to 13% of devices optimized using traditional TO. We apply seeded topology optimization to an ultra-compact TE modal multiplexer, a TE mode converter, a polarization rotator, and a high-contrast grating reflector. Using this optimization strategy, the measured insertion loss of the TE mode converter was reduced from < 1.50 dB to < 0.64 dB, and the measured TE1 insertion loss of the TE modal multiplexer was reduced from < 3.95 dB to < 1.38 dB over C-band. This approach enables a two-step inverse design process, merging of physics-informed design strategies with inverse design, and ensures strict compliance with foundry constraints throughout optimization.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2025

Integrated Photonic Topology Optimization with Nonvertical Sidewall Profiles: Applications in Lithium Niobate and Silicon

We enable density-based topology optimization (TO) to design integrated photonic devices featuring nonvertical sidewall profiles. Specifically, we demonstrate TO for fabrication processes with slanted sidewalls which are often used to enhance vertical coupling efficiency and fabrication processes with angled sidewalls which are a common feature of etching. The techniques demonstrated are readily adaptable to other etch profiles such as asymmetric or nonlinear. The enhancements are compatible with existing TO techniques, lengthscale constraints and multi-layer designs, and any dielectric materials, suiting the techniques for both academic and commercial foundry fabrications. We demonstrated the developed capabilities by designing slanted and angled silicon grating couplers and thin-film lithium niobate on insulator dual-polarization s-bends.

physics.optics↗