Use of evolutionary computing algorithms in the design of millimetre-wave metamaterial devices

The design of a mesh filter involves the selection of various grid patterns and their assembly into a multiple layer structure to meet the desired transfer characteristics. This can be a laborious process involving modelling tools and multiple iterations before a satisfactory solution is achieved. Here we report on-going investigations into the use of evolutionary computing (specifically the Micro-Genetic Algorithm) in association with electrodynamic modelling algorithms (the Finite Difference, Time Domain method or a propagation matrix method or both) to automatically arrive at a solution given only the target admittance function. Results are reported for designs utilizing both conventional capacitive and inductive grids (for comparison purposes) as well as for grids containing unconventional pixelated shapes. Drawbacks of the approach are also discussed.