Optimization of a Plasmon-Assisted Waveguide Coupler Using FEM and MMP

In this paper, we focus on the problem of optimizing plasmonic structures. A plasmonassisted waveguide coupler is considered as a test problem, which leads to a five-dimensional optimization problem carried out by an evolution strategy (ES). The optimization results are verified by a comparative analysis between different solvers, i.e., the finite element package CONCEPTs and the multiple multipole program (MMP). We also compared with results obtained using a deterministic optimization algorithm, namely the Nedler-Mead method as implemented in the commercial software package COMSOL Multiphysics. Some issues concerning deterministic versus evolutionary optimization, in particular, in the field of plasmonics have been discussed.