3D integrated optics enabled by inverse design for two-photon polymerization

Nano and integrated optics have not yet explored the full potential of inverse design techniques, such as topology optimization, due to fabrication limitations. On the other side, emerging 3D printing techniques, e.g., two-photon polymerization (2PP), are cost-efficient, provide faster prototyping capabilities than silicon foundries, and allow the manufacturing of free-form 3D structures. By using multi-objective and multilayer topology optimization techniques on high-performance computing systems, we unlock 3D designs that are viable for 2PP manufacturing. We demonstrate 3D wavelength demultiplexer designs with better performance than their 2.5D counterparts. The current optimization results highlight the viability of compact and efficient 3D polymer devices for next generation integrated optical systems.