AI-Augmented Photonics Simulation: Combining AI with Physics-Based Modeling

AI tools now have extensive abilities. However, traditional photonic technology computer-aided design (TCAD) tools represent decades of knowledge and experience encapsulated in their code – for example, models of highly complex physics inside a VCSEL, all carefully speed-optimized. An off-the-shelf AI tool cannot begin to compete with this. Edwards presents a way that AI tools can be used to augment traditional TCAD to get the best of both worlds.

Setting up a complex design might traditionally take 1000s of button clicks, but AI tools can streamline this; reducing manual inputs and clicks can lead to shorter development cycles, reduce setup times, and increase simulation capabilities. They can also be used to automatically fine-tune simulations to get a desired accuracy in minimum compute time, draft instructions to follow a sequence to locate an optimum design, and automate the flow of information between disconnected tools.

About the presenter
Alex Edwards leads Photon Design’s communications and is on the front line, seeing the successes AI tools have brought to academic and industrial users of Photon Design. With a background in theoretical physics and science communication, Edwards is well placed in explaining the critical role simulations have before getting into practical designs.