Inverse design of nanostructured surfaces for color effects

We propose an inverse design methodology for systematic design of nanostructured surfaces for color effects. The methodology is based on a 2D topology optimization formulation based on frequency-domain finite element simulations for E and/or H polarized waves. The goal of the optimization is to maximize color intensity in prescribed direction(s) for a prescribed color (RGB) vector. Results indicate that nanostructured surfaces with any desirable color vector can be generated; that complex structures can generate more intense colors than simple layerings; that angle independent colorings can be obtained at the cost of reduced intensity; and that performance and optimized surface topologies are relatively independent on light polarization. (C) 2013 Optical Society of America