The modes are then expanded into the modes of the neighboring layers to determine how light is coupled between those layers. In the RCWA method, a structure is divided into uniform layers, and the modes of each layer are calculated in Fourier space. The RCWA method is a semi-analytical technique for solving Maxwell's equations in periodic structures. Let's take a look at what RCWA is, and then introduce an Ansys Zemax feature that allows you to address this challenge. Optical designers faced with modeling nanoscale period structures often use a method called rigorous coupled-wave analysis (RCWA). Accurately accounting for these rays requires the data of diffraction efficiency - the necessary level of precision to evaluate resulting images.

Because diffractive gratings are at nanoscale, optical teams typically use Lumerical to simulate ray behavior when designing either standalone photonic devices or a photonic element within a larger optical system design.ĭiffraction is a complex physics that introduces scattering of rays across its uneven surface. Diffraction gratings are a type of nanoscale structure, often used for coupling light into and out of augmented reality (AR) waveguides.Īs discussed in a previous blog, diffractive gratings are periodic optical structures that scatter incoming plane waves into outgoing plane waves called grating orders.

Using OpticStudio and Lumerical together lets designers fully simulate their end-to-end designs at both the nanoscale and macroscale levels. Lumerical analyzes and simulates optical component designs at the subwavelength scale (nanoscale) such as for metalenses and photonic integrated circuits. OpticStudio enables optical design development and tolerancing at the system-level scale (macroscale) using ray tracing to simulate optical behavior, allowing optical designers to tolerance and refine their designs digitally before proceeding to prototype or product development.

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