RCWA Solver - Simulation Object – Ansys Optics

RCWA

General Tab

PROPAGATION AXIS: Axis of propagation for the plane wave source (before source rotations are applied). This axis is normal to the layers of the structure.
PROPAGATION DIRECTION: Direction of propagation for the source along the PROPAGATION AXIS, either forward (in the + axis direction) or backward (in the – axis direction). Selecting BOTH will run an RCWA simulation for both directions. A gray rectangle displaying the source face(s), along with an arrow(s) if only one angle of incidence is set (see the “Excitation Tab” section below), is shown in the view port to indicate the propagation direction, as seen below.
SIMULATION REGION: Defines the dimensions of the simulation region. The simulation region can be 2D, normal to the X, Y, or Z axis, or 3D. A 2D simulation region cannot be normal to the propagation axis.
BACKGROUND MATERIAL: The material of the surrounding background medium in the simulation region. Any volume not filled by a geometry object will be assigned this material.
INDEX: The refractive index of the surrounding, background medium in the simulation region if <Object defined dielectric> is chosen for BACKGROUND MATERIAL.

Geometry Tab

The geometry of the RCWA solver object defines the simulation region. The span of the simulation region along the axes normal to the propagation direction defines the boundaries of the unit cell (and therefore, the periodicity). The geometry is assumed to be periodic along these axes outside the simulation region.

The span of the RCWA solver object along the propagation direction should be large enough to include a layer of the substrate and superstrate before the outer interfaces of the layer stack.

X, Y, Z: The center position of the simulation region
X MIN, X MAX: X min, X max position
Y MIN, Y MAX: Y min, Y max position
Z MIN, Z MAX: Z min, Z max position
X SPAN, Y SPAN, Z SPAN: X, Y, Z span of the simulation region
LATTICE VECTOR ANGLE: Sets the angle between the lattice vectors of the RCWA unit cell. For more information, see Using Non-orthogonal RCWA Unit Cells.
SIMULATION Z-SPAN: Only displayed if layer repetition in the “Interface” tab is set to an option other than “none”. The span for which the simulation is ran for, accounting for all repeated layers. While the term “z” is used, this value is in the axis of propagation. For more information, see Layer Repetition in RCWA.
SIMULATION Z-MAX: Only displayed if layer repetition in the “Interface” tab is set to an option other than “none”. The maximum value of simulation domain length, accounting for all repeated layers. While the term “z” is used, this value is in the axis of propagation. For more information, see Layer Repetition in RCWA.

Interface Tab

The RCWA solver divides the simulation region into layers normal to the propagation axis. There are two options for defining the interfaces between these layers:

INTERFACE ABSOLUTE POSITIONS: Interface positions are defined in a table of positions along the axis of propagation in the global coordinate system. The properties of the table are:
- ADD: Adds an entry above the selected entry.
- REMOVE: Removes the selected entry.
- SORT: Sort each column of the table in ascending order.
INTERFACE REFERENCE POSITIONS: Interface positions are defined in terms of the maximum and minimum positions of the objects in the simulation. If the objects are modified, for example in a parameter sweep, the layer interface positions will automatically update.
The layer positions are defined in a table with the following columns:

The screenshot below shows an example of the INTERFACE REFERENCE POSITIONS option:

The interfaces are shown as orange lines in the viewport. The maximum and minimum of the triangle object were chosen in the table, with a total of 11 interfaces along the triangle object.

Setting Interface Positions Through Script Commands

The RCWA solver's interface positions can also be set through the set or setnamed script commands. To choose between the "interface absolute positions" or "interface reference positions" options, set the "interface position" property of the RCWA solver object to either "absolute" or "reference", respectively. For example, the following command can be used to select the "interface reference positions" option:

setnamed("RCWA", "interface position", "reference");

If the "interface absolute positions" option is selected, the positions of the interfaces can be defined by setting the "interface absolute positions" property to the interface positions in the form of a 1D matrix. For example, the following script command can be used to define interfaces at 0, 0.1, and 0.2 um along the propagation axis:

setnamed("RCWA", "interface absolute positions", [0, 0.1, 0.2]*1e-6);

If the "interface reference positions" option is selected, the positions of the interfaces can be defined by setting the "interface reference positions" property through the set or setnamed commands. In this case the interface positions are defined in a cell array. The cell array contains other cell arrays defining the enabled interfaces. Each inner cell array has fields for the name, type, and number of interfaces, corresponding to the NAME, TYPE, and INTERFACES columns of the reference positions table in the graphical interface, respectively.

For example, the reference positions in the screenshot above can be set with the following script commands:

interfaces = {{"::model::triangle", "max", 10},{"::model::triangle", "min", 1}};
setnamed("RCWA", "interface reference positions", interfaces);

Layer repetition can also be set in script. See Layer Repetition in RCWA for more information.

Solver Tab

The RCWA solver expands the fields into Fourier modes in each layer. The modes have a finite number of wavevectors called k vectors. Increasing the number of k vectors improves the accuracy of the simulation, but also increases the simulation time.

K VECTORS DOMAIN: Shape of the domain of wave vectors in reciprocal space to use for the Fourier mode decomposition. There are two options for a 3D simulation region:
- CIRCULAR: K vectors within a certain radius of the origin are used. This is generally the more efficient choice. The maximum total number of k vectors is determined by the MAX NUMBER K VECTORS property. It corresponds to the N vectors closest to the origin such that N ≤ MAX NUMBER K VECTORS, and provided all other vectors are farther from the origin.
  Since the version 2023 R2.1, the k_x and k_y components are individually scaled to consider the aspect ratio of the simulation region. Then, note that if the region is not orthogonal and square, plotting |k|² would give concentric ellipses rather than circles. The wavevectors actually used in the simulation can be accessed from the RCWA results, below is an illustration of how they can be seen in the visualizer in two different cases.
- RECTANGULAR: Allows different numbers of k vector mesh points in each direction. The number of k vectors along each axis is determined by the MAX NUMBER KU and MAX NUMBER KV properties. Which direction each refer to depends on the propagation axis:

Propagation Axis	KU axis	KV axis
X	Y	Z
Y	X	Z
Z	X	Y

MESH REFINEMENT: Mesh refinement method for the meshing of the simulation layers. Mesh refinement can give sub-cell accuracy for a simulation. See the Mesh refinement options page for more information.
USE TANGENT VECTOR FIELD: This option is available for 3D simulations. Use the tangent vector field decomposition method. Using this method can result in faster convergence with increasing number of k vectors for high-index-contrast materials (e.g., metals in dielectrics). The tangent vector field option should only be used with MESH REFINEMENT set to conformal variant 0, 1, or 2.
USE LI FACTORIZATION: This option is available for 2D simulations. Similar to tangent vector field option, this is helpful for speeding up the simulation convergence with increasing number of k vectors for high-index-contrast materials (e.g., metals in dielectrics).

Material Tab

FIT MATERIALS WITH MULTI-COEFFICIENT MODEL: Use a multi-coefficient material fit of the material data in the Material Database to determine the material properties used in the RCWA simulation. This is the same model used by FDTD. This model provides derivatives that are continuous in time, which is beneficial for properties such as dispersion which depends on derivatives of the refractive index as a function of wavelength. When this option is deselected, linear interpolation from the closest datapoints is used. Prior to 2025 R1.3, all materials were fitted with the multi-coefficient model.

If you check this option, you can choose to fit two types of materials with a multi-coefficient model. Here are the options that are available when the checkbox is checked:
- - Fit sampled materials: By default, this is checked. Sampled material data will be fitted with a smooth multi-coefficient material model.
  - Fit analytic materials: Check this option to fit a multi-coefficient model to the analytic material models, which include Analytic materials, Sellmeier materials and (n,k) materials. The only reason to fit analytic models with a multi-coefficient model is to compare to FDTD. FDTD simulations must fit a multi-coefficient model to the analytic data in order to run simulations, but the multi-coefficient model may not be able to fit the analytic model perfectly. By default, this is checked for backwards compatibility with RCWA versions prior to 2025 R1.3, however, we recommend unchecking this unless you are comparing with FDTD results.

OVERRIDE MATERIALS FREQUENCY RANGE: By default, the frequency range of the RCWA simulation is used for the frequency range of the material fit. This option allows you to select the range. The range is specified using the center and span, or the minimum and maximum of a frequency or a wavelength range.

Excitation Tab

This tab determines the incident angles and frequencies of the source where the RCWA simulation will be performed. For definitions of theta ($\theta$) and phi ($\phi$), see the RCWA Solver Introduction page.

Incident Angle

INCIDENT ANGLE: Method for selecting the incident angles for the source. The options are:
- SINGLE: An individual ANGLE THETA and ANGLE PHI are chosen.
- TABLE: The THETA and PHI angles are chosen in a table. An RCWA simulation will be run with the THETA and PHI combinations from each row in the table. The properties of the table are:
  - ADD: Adds an entry above the selected entry.
  - REMOVE: Removes the selected entry.
  - SORT: Sort the entries of the table.

Note: The arrow in the view port indicating propagation direction will only be displayed if a single angle is set.

Frequency Sample Spacing

SAMPLE SPACING: Spacing type for the frequencies used by the simulation. The options are:
- UNIFORM: Points are uniformly spaced between a maximum and minimum value. The maximum and minimum value can be chosen using frequency or wavelength, using either maximum and minimum or center and span values.
- CHEBYSHEV: Points are selected between a maximum and minimum value using Chebyshev spacing. The maximum and minimum value can be chosen using frequency or wavelength, using either maximum and minimum or center and span values.
- CUSTOM: Frequency points are defined in a table. Properties of the table are:
  - ADD: Adds an entry above the selected entry to the "frequency (THz)" table.
  - REMOVE: Removes the selected entry from the "frequency (THz)" table.
  - SORT: Sorts the table with frequency from low to high.
- USE WAVELENGTH SPACING: By default, data is recorded at points spaced with respect to frequency. Selecting this option spaces the data with respect to wavelength.
- FREQUENCY POINTS: Set to choose the number of frequency points at which to record data.

Results Tab

The results returned by the RCWA solver are selected in this tab. See the Results Returned section for descriptions of the results.

REPORT INDEX: Return the “index” result as well as the “index preview” result when the simulation is in LAYOUT mode.
REPORT TANGENT VECTOR FIELD: Return the “tangent_vector_field” result.
REPORT GRATING ORDERS: Return the “grating_orders” result.
REPORT GRATING POWER: Return the “grating_power” result.
REPORT GRATING CHARACTERIZATION: Return the “grating_characterization” result.
REPORT MODE AMPLITUDES: Return the “mode_amplitudes” result.
REPORT FIELD AMPLITUDES: Return the “field_amplitudes” result.

Results Returned

In LAYOUT mode:

Before running the simulation and when the "report index" is checked, the "Result View - RCWA" panel displays the index preview. The “index preview” result allows users to check if the index profile is correct without having to run the simulation first.

index preview

The "index preview" result is the calculated refractive index in each of the layers of the RCWA simulation. It is returned as a rectilinear dataset as a function of position and frequency/wavelength.

In the direction of propagation, the refractive index data in the dataset is one element shorter compared to the corresponding position vector. This is because the refractive index is obtained at the center of each layer, whereas positions are obtained at the interfaces between layers. This is done to improve the visualization of results.

Note: The "index preview" result is available from version 2024 R2.

In ANALYSIS mode:

After the simulation has run the following results can be returned as results of the RCWA solver object. An RCWA simulation will be run for every combination of selected frequency, incident angle, propagation direction, and S and P incident polarization.

For simulation results that include phase, the source is assumed to be placed at the first interface and the phase change is measured at the last interface (not the maximum/minimum of the RCWA solver region).

index

The "index" result is the refractive index at the interfaces of each layer of the RCWA simulation. It is returned as a rectilinear dataset as a function of position and frequency/wavelength. In RCWA algorithm, the results are calculated at the mid-point of each layer. But for improved visualization of the index, the "index" result is reported at the interfaces of the layers. As a result, the user might notice that the length of the dataset parameter (x,y,z vs f) is larger than the length of the dataset attribute (index_x, index_y, index_z) by 1 only along the propagation direction.
In the direction of propagation, the refractive index data in the dataset is one element shorter compared to the corresponding position vector. This is because the refractive index is obtained at the center of each layer, whereas positions are obtained at the interfaces between layers. This is done to improve the visualization of results.
tangent_vector_field

The "tangent_vector_field" result is the tangent vector field in each layer of the RCWA simulation. The tangent vector is the electric field vector that is normal to the material interfaces in the layer.
total_energy

The "total_energy" result is the fraction of the power of the source that is reflected and transmitted from the simulated structure. The results are returned with names in the format (R,T)(s,p). The (R,T) indicates whether the result is transmission or reflection and the (s,p) indicates the polarization of the source.
substrate

The refractive index of the incident medium and transmitted medium. The "n_lower" result is the index for the medium in the negative direction of the propagation axis and the "n_upper" result is the index for the medium in the positive direction of the propagation axis.
grating_orders

The "grating_orders" result gives the fraction of the incident power in each individual grating orders, normalized to the refractive index of the incident medium $n_i$ and the cosine of the incident angle theta, $\cos(\theta)$. To obtain the total fraction of incident power that is diffracted into the grating orders, divide the result by $n_i \cos(\theta)$ (see the grating_power results).

The results are returned with names in the format (R,T)(s,p)_grating. The (R,T) indicates whether the grating orders are on the transmitted or reflected side of the structure. The (s,p) in the result name indicates the polarization of the incident field, not the polarization of the grating order. Results for all k-vectors, including k-vectors corresponding to non-propagating grating orders, are returned.

The grating orders are indexed by two indices, n and m, corresponding to the two axis directions normal to the propagation axis. The components of the grating order wavevectors normal to the propagation axis are also returned as "kx" and "ky". They are normalized by the incident wavenumber in vacuum $k_0 = 2\pi f/c$, where $f$ is the frequency of the source.

Which index and wavevector components corresponds to which axis depends on the propagation axis, as shown in the table below:

Propagation Axis n, kx axis m, ky axis

X Y Z

Y X Z

Z X Y
grating_power

The "grating_power" is equivalent to the grating_orders result, but with a different normalization factor so that we obtain the total fraction of incident power that is diffracted into the grating orders. The two types of results are related as follows: $grating\_order = grating\_power * n_i * cos(\theta_i)$

where $n_i$ and $\theta_i$ are respectively the refractive index and the incidence angle in the incident medium.

The grating_power result keeps only the data that contain at least one non-zero value, i.e. all the orders that do not propagate to the farfield are filtered out of the dataset.
grating_characterization

The "grating_characterization" result is the complex S-parameters for each grating order, split into S and P polarization. The amplitude of the S-parameters is the square root of the power transmission for that grating order. The phase of the S-parameter is the difference in phase of the grating order plane waves compared to the source.

The S-parameters are similar to the amplitude transmission and reflection coefficients relating the electric field amplitudes of the grating orders to the source, but they account for the change in angle and refracted index with the correction factor

$$\frac{n_t \cos(\theta_t)}{n_i \cos(\theta_i)}$$

Where $n_t$ is the refractive index of the grating order medium, $n_i$ is the refractive index of the source medium, $\theta_t$ is the angle of the grating order, and $\theta_i$ is the angle of the source. With this correction factor, the square of the S-parameter becomes the power transmission/reflection coefficient.

The results are returned with names in the format (R,T)(s,p)(s,p). The (R,T) indicates whether the grating orders are on the transmitted or reflected side of the structure. The first (s,p) indicates the source polarization and the second (s,p) indicates the polarization of the outgoing plane wave in the grating order.
mode_amplitudes

The "mode_amplitudes" result is the amplitudes of the forward and backward propagating Fourier modes in the top and bottom layers of the stack. This result is mainly intended to be used by the Lumerical RCWA - Zemax dynamic link API, and will not be useful for most users.

The results are returned with names in the format (a,b)(s,p)(x,y,z) where the (a,b) indicates forward or backward propagating modes, (s,p) indicates incident polarization, and (x,y,z) indicates the magnetic field component.

These results are equivalent to the mode amplitudes given in equation 29 of [1] in SI units. The results a(s,p)x, a(s,p)y, b(s,p)x, and b(s,p)y are equivalent to $\phi_{x,n}a_n$, $\phi_{y,n}a_n$, $\phi_{x,n}b_n$, and $\phi_{y,n}b_n$, respectively.
field_amplitudes

The "field_amplitudes" result is the amplitude of the transmitted/reflected grating order electric fields at the outer interfaces of the layer stack, normalized to the electric field amplitude of the source.

The results are returned with the names in the format ek(x,y,z)_(f,b)(s,p), where the (x,y,z) indicates the component of the electric field vector, the (f,b) indicates the direction of the grating order (f for forwards or b for backwards), and (s,p) indicates the polarization of the incident field.

The components of the grating order wavevectors normal to the propagation axis are also returned as kx and ky, defined the same way as they are in the "grating_orders" result above.
peak_memory

The peak usage of memory. This is a value reported after the simulation is run (not an estimate).
simulation_run_time

The time it takes to run the RCWA simulation in seconds. This is exactly the same as the reported "time to run RCWA simulation" in the log file.
total_threads

The number of threads used to run the RCWA simulation. When the simulation is "run within design environment", it is the value shown in the Design environment tab, in Resource Configuration. Otherwise it is the value shown in the RCWA solver tab.

References

V. Liu and S. Fan, "S4: A free electromagnetic solver for layered periodic structures", Computer Physics Communications, 183, 2233-2244, 2012

RCWA Solver - Simulation Object

General Tab

Geometry Tab

Interface Tab

Setting Interface Positions Through Script Commands

Solver Tab

Material Tab

Excitation Tab

Incident Angle

Frequency Sample Spacing

Results Tab

Results Returned

In LAYOUT mode:

index preview

In ANALYSIS mode:

index

tangent_vector_field

total_energy

substrate

grating_orders

grating_power

grating_characterization

mode_amplitudes

field_amplitudes

peak_memory

simulation_run_time

total_threads

References

Associated files

Related articles