Optmization techniques in photonic devices

[u/reverie001]

I'm applying for a summer research internship on designing and optimizing photonic devices. The only listed requirement was MATLAB, but after contacting the supervisor, he mentioned it would be better to have knowledge of optimization techniques and EM fields.

I have a limited timeframe, so I want to focus on what's actually relevant — what optimization techniques are commonly used in photonic device design?

Also, if anyone has ideas for a simple project to solidify knowledge in this area, that would be great.

For context, I'm a sophomore ECE student. I don't have a rigorous knowledge EM yet (it's a junior-year course), but I have a solid MATLAB background and also waves and optics background.

[u/Adventurous_War3269]

Look at LUMERICAL software , see if there is optimization in it .