Applications
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Chiral cavities made from lattices of highly electromagnetically-chiral scatterers
This work presents the design of a chiral optical cavity for the infrared fingerprint region, tailored to maximize the dissymmetry between different light polarizations (helicities). The key component is an optimized silver helix with near-maximum electromagnetic chirality, which serves as a building block for the cavity mirrors. JCMsuite's finite element solver and its Bayesian optimization toolkit were used to compute the optical response and to optimize the geometry of the silver helix for maximum chirality.
L. Rebholz, et al. Chiral cavities made from lattices of highly electromagnetically-chiral scatterers. arXiv, 2507.10481 (2025).
2025 DOI Publication link
Optical Metrology and Sensing, optical chirality, optical resonators and antennas, Light Scattering Computation, Optimization and Parameter Retrieval Methods
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Hybrid approach to reconstruct nanoscale grating dimensions using scattering and fluorescence with soft X-rays
This work demonstrates a hybrid metrology technique combining soft X-ray scattering and fluorescence to reconstruct the dimensions of a silicon nitride nanoscale grating with high accuracy. To solve the inverse problem, the electric field strength of the standing wave field within the grating was calculated using JCMsuite’s finite element method solver. These near-field calculations were then used to compute diffraction efficiencies and fluorescence intensities, which were fitted to experimental data via an optimization process to determine the grating profile parameters.
L. M. Lohr, et al. Hybrid approach to reconstruct nanoscale grating dimensions using scattering and fluorescence with soft X-rays. Nanoscale, 17, 6017 (2025).
2025 DOI Publication link
Optical Metrology and Sensing, Optical and EUV Lithography, Advanced Finite Element Methods, Light Scattering Computation, Optimization and Parameter Retrieval Methods
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Investigation of Ti nanostructures via laboratory scanning-free GEXRF
This work demonstrates the non-destructive characterization of periodic TiO₂ nanogratings using laboratory-based scanning-free grazing-emission X-ray fluorescence (GEXRF) in the tender X-ray range. The angularly resolved fluorescence emission patterns were simulated using the finite-element Maxwell solver from JCMwave to model the electric field distribution and X-ray standing wave effects within the nanostructures. JCMsuite was essential for both validating the measured data against known sample parameters and performing a Bayesian-optimized reconstruction of the nanograting geometry from the experimental GEXRF maps.
S. Staeck, et al. Investigation of Ti nanostructures via laboratory scanning-free GEXRF. Nanoscale, 17, 3411 (2025).
2025 DOI Publication link
Optical Metrology and Sensing, diffractive optics, Advanced Finite Element Methods, Light Scattering Computation, Optimization and Parameter Retrieval Methods
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On-chip twisted hollow-core light cages: enhancing planar photonics with 3D nanoprinting
This work introduces the concept of 3D-nanoprinted, on-chip twisted hollow-core light cages, which are novel integrated chiral waveguides. To analyze their optical properties and the origin of their strong circular dichroism, the modes of the infinitely extended twisted waveguide were calculated using the finite element method (FEM) in the helicoidal coordinate frame. These simulations were performed with JCMsuite, which natively supports calculations in helicoidal coordinates, allowing the authors to investigate twist-induced resonances and angular momentum coupling based on the waveguide's 2D cross-section.
J. Bürger, et al. On-chip twisted hollow-core light cages: enhancing planar photonics with 3D nanoprinting. Adv. Photonics, 7, 046002 (2025).
2025 DOI Publication link
Optical Metrology and Sensing, integrated optics, optical chirality, optical resonators and antennas, Advanced Finite Element Methods, Resonance Mode Computation
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Scalar product for the radiation of resonant modes
The authors propose a new cross-energy scalar product to normalize and compare resonant (quasi-normal) modes of optical resonators using their radiation fields. This method avoids the complications of divergent modal fields outside the resonator. The theory is applied to whispering gallery modes in a disk resonator, where JCMsuite's finite element method solver was used to compute the complex eigenfrequencies and spatial field profiles of the resonant modes, which are essential for evaluating the proposed scalar product.
M. Paszkiewicz-Idzik, et al. Scalar product for the radiation of resonant modes. Phys. Rev. A 112, 013518 (2025).
2025 DOI Publication link
Optical Metrology and Sensing, integrated optics, optical resonators and antennas, Advanced Finite Element Methods, Resonance Mode Computation
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Spectroscopic Ellipsometry of Plasmonic Gratings: Ideal Parameters for Sensing and Subpicometer Measurement Uncertainty
This work investigates spectroscopic ellipsometry for dimensional metrology and sensing of gold plasmonic gratings. JCMsuite's finite element method (FEM) solver was used to design the gratings by maximizing the sensitivity of ellipsometric parameters and to simulate their optical response. The accurate FEM simulations were also crucial for calculating the limits of detection (LOD) for grating dimensions and refractive index sensing, identifying regions of sub-picometer sensitivity.
D. Mukherjee, et al. Spectroscopic Ellipsometry of Plasmonic Gratings: Ideal Parameters for Sensing and Subpicometer Measurement Uncertainty. ACS Omega, 10, 14466 (2025).
2025 DOI Publication link
Optical Metrology and Sensing, diffractive optics, plasmonics, Light Scattering Computation, Optimization and Parameter Retrieval Methods
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Generalized Petermann factor of non-Hermitian systems at exceptional points
This theoretical and numerical study generalizes the Petermann factor, a measure of mode nonorthogonality, to systems operating at exceptional points (EPs) in non-Hermitian physics. To demonstrate and verify the developed theory, the authors perform full-wave finite element simulations of a realistic photonic system consisting of two microrings coupled to a waveguide with embedded mirrors. The software JCMsuite was used for these numerical simulations to compute the complex eigenfrequencies and mode patterns, and to extract the spectral response strength at the EP.
J. Kullig, et al. Generalized Petermann factor of non-Hermitian systems at exceptional points. arXiv:2506.15807v2 (2025).
2025 DOI Publication link
Optical Metrology and Sensing, optical resonators and antennas, plasmonics, Advanced Finite Element Methods, Light Scattering Computation
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3D nanoprinted fiber-interfaced hollow-core waveguides for high-accuracy nanoparticle tracking analysis
This work presents a novel fiber-integrated square-core hollow-core waveguide (HCW) fabricated via 3D nanoprinting, enabling high-precision nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) with near-aberration-free imaging. Finite element modeling (FEM) simulations performed with JCMsuite software were used to analyze the intensity distribution, polarization, and modal attenuation of leaky core modes within the HCW. The simulations provided critical insights into the guiding mechanism (anti-resonance effect), confirmed the high-purity excitation of the fundamental mode from the fiber, and aided in the design of the waveguide for optimal performance in NTA experiments.
D. Pereira, et al. 3D nanoprinted fiber-interfaced hollow-core waveguides for high-accuracy nanoparticle tracking analysis. Light Sci. Appl. 14, 197 (2025).
2025 DOI Publication link
Optical Metrology and Sensing, Photonic Waveguides and Fibers, integrated optics, Light Scattering Computation, Resonance Mode Computation
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Characterization and discrimination of periodic nanostructures with scanning-free GEXRF
This study uses scanning-free grazing emission x-ray fluorescence (GEXRF) to characterize periodic HfO₂/TiO₂ nanogratings. To reconstruct the nanostructure geometry from measured fluorescence intensity maps, the expected fluorescence intensities were simulated using a finite element method (FEM) model implemented in JCMsuite. The simulations enabled discrimination of subtle etch-induced geometric differences between sample positions, validating GEXRF as a non-destructive metrology tool for buried nanoscale features.
N. Wauschkuhn, et al. Characterization and discrimination of periodic nanostructures with scanning-free GEXRF. Nanotechnology 36, 235701 (2025).
2025 DOI Publication link
Optical Metrology and Sensing, diffractive optics, Light Scattering Computation
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On-chip hollow-core waveguides with integrated anti-resonant channels, enabled by 3D nanoprinting
This work introduces a novel three-channel on-chip hollow-core waveguide design operating via the anti-resonant effect. To analyze the modal behavior, inter-channel coupling, and polarization-dependent losses, detailed finite element method (FEM) simulations were performed using JCMsuite. The numerical simulations were essential for understanding the underlying physical principles and guided the experimental validation of the nanoprinted structures.
D. Pereira, et al. On-chip hollow-core waveguides with integrated anti-resonant channels, enabled by 3D nanoprinting. Opt. Express, 33, 30136 (2025).
2025 DOI Publication link
Optical Metrology and Sensing, Photonic Waveguides and Fibers, integrated optics, Light Scattering Computation, Resonance Mode Computation
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Broadening the Ambit of Raman Solvation Shell Spectroscopy on Small Particle Dispersions
This study investigates the hydrogen-bonding structure of water in the solvation shells of various nanoparticles (Ag, Au, ZnO, TiO₂) using Raman multivariate curve resolution (Raman-MCR) spectroscopy. To assess the influence of localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) on the spectral analysis, finite element method (FEM) simulations with JCMsuite were performed. These simulations calculated the electric field intensity enhancement around isolated nanoparticles, helping to interpret how the proximity of the laser wavelength to the particle's LSPR affects the magnitude of observed spectral differences between bulk and interfacial water.
T. Mukherjee, et al. Broadening the Ambit of Raman Solvation Shell Spectroscopy on Small Particle Dispersions. J. Phys. Chem. C, 129, 17892–17901 (2025).
2025 DOI Publication link
Optical Metrology and Sensing, plasmonics, Light Scattering Computation
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Resolution enhancement methods in optical microscopy for dimensional optical metrology
This review article discusses various super-resolution microscopy techniques for label-free dimensional nanometrology. Within the context of developing a suppression of scattering imaging (SUSI) technique for plasmonic nanostructures, JCMsuite's finite element solver was used to design gold grating test structures. The simulations aimed to maximize the ellipsometric contrast (amplitude ratio and phase shift) to identify sensitive resonance features prior to experimental implementation.
M. Nouri, et al. Resolution enhancement methods in optical microscopy for dimensional optical metrology. J. Eur. Opt. Soc.-Rapid Publ. 21, 7 (2025).
2025 DOI Publication link
Optical Metrology and Sensing, diffractive optics, plasmonics, Light Scattering Computation
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Bulk-suppressed and surface-sensitive Raman scattering by transferable plasmonic membranes with irregular slot-shaped nanopores
This work demonstrates a method to enhance the Raman signal from surfaces and thin films while suppressing interfering signals from the underlying bulk material using a transferable porous gold membrane (PAuM). JCMwave's finite element solver JCMsuite was used to numerically simulate the near-field enhancement and scattering properties of the plasmonic slot antennas within the PAuM. These simulations, analyzing nanostructures like a 10 nm x 68 nm slot, were crucial for understanding the enhancement mechanism and predicting the exponential decay of the Raman signal with distance from the surface.
R. M. Wyss, et al. Bulk-suppressed and surface-sensitive Raman scattering by transferable plasmonic membranes with irregular slot-shaped nanopores. Nat. Commun., 15, 5236 (2024).
2024 DOI Publication link
Optical Metrology and Sensing, plasmonics, Advanced Finite Element Methods, Light Scattering Computation
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Introduction and application of a new approach for model-based optical bidirectional measurements
A new model-based evaluation method for optical bidirectional measurements, such as linewidth determination on micro- and nanostructures, was developed. JCMsuite's rigorous finite element method (FEM) solver was used to simulate the microscope imaging process, incorporating a modified Hopkins' approximation for computational efficiency. The simulated and measured intensity profiles were compared within a Bayesian Target Vector Optimization (BTVO) framework, also provided by JCMwave, to reconstruct the linewidth and other parameters with high accuracy.
J. Krüger, et al. Introduction and application of a new approach for model-based optical bidirectional measurements. Meas. Sci. Technol., 35, 085014 (2024).
2024 DOI Publication link
Optical Metrology and Sensing, Optical and EUV Lithography, Advanced Finite Element Methods, Optimization and Parameter Retrieval Methods
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Review and experimental benchmarking of machine learning algorithms for efficient optimization of cold atom experiments
This work benchmarks nine different machine learning algorithms for optimizing a cold atom experiment, specifically a rubidium molasses system with 10 and 18 adjustable parameters, using the post-cooling atom number as the optimization target. The JCMsuite's Bayesian optimization tool was implemented and extended with a noise-aware strategy (Noisy Expected Improvement) to efficiently handle the inherently noisy experimental data. The benchmarking demonstrated that this enhanced appraoch performed best in terms of speed and final atom number, particularly in high-noise and high-dimensional scenarios, showcasing its utility for automating complex experimental tuning.
O. Anton, et al. Review and experimental benchmarking of machine learning algorithms for efficient optimization of cold atom experiments. Mach. Learn.: Sci. Technol. 5, 025022 (2024).
2024 DOI Publication link
Optical Metrology and Sensing, quantum optics, Optimization and Parameter Retrieval Methods
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A Digital Twin for a Chiral Sensing Platform
A digital twin for a nanophotonically enhanced chiral sensing platform was developed to predict and analyze circular dichroism (CD) measurements. The platform uses helicity-preserving optical cavities to significantly enhance the weak CD signal of chiral molecules. JCMsuite's finite element method solver was used to compute the T-matrices of the nanostructured cavity components, which are essential for the fast and efficient simulation of the entire system's optical response.
M. Nyman, et al. A Digital Twin for a Chiral Sensing Platform. Laser Photon. Rev. 18, 2300967 (2024).
2024 DOI Publication link
Metamaterials, Optical Metrology and Sensing, optical chirality, Advanced Finite Element Methods, Light Scattering Computation
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Advances in Quantum Metrology with Dielectrically Structured Single Photon Sources Based on Molecules
The authors present a new generation of molecule-based single-photon sources for quantum radiometry, integrating anthracene nanocrystals doped with dibenzoterrylene molecules into a polymeric microlens structure on a gold mirror. Finite element simulations with JCMsuite were performed to model the emission pattern and estimate the collection efficiency enhancement provided by the integrated microlens. The simulations predicted a factor of three enhancement in collection efficiency, guiding the device design and supporting the experimental observations.
P. Lombardi, et al. Advances in Quantum Metrology with Dielectrically Structured Single Photon Sources Based on Molecules. Adv. Quantum Technol., 7, 2400107 (2024).
2024 DOI Publication link
Light Sources, Optical Metrology and Sensing, optical resonators and antennas, quantum optics, Light Scattering Computation
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Chiral plasmonic metasurface assembled by DNA origami
This work explores the fabrication of a chiral plasmonic metasurface using bottom-up DNA origami technology to achieve strong circular dichroism (CD). The optical properties of the chiral metamolecule — a tripod decorated with gold nanorods — were simulated and optimized with JCMsuite. The software enabled full-wave finite-element calculations to retrieve the T-matrix, compute orientation-averaged CD spectra, and assess the feasibility of the metasurface design.
N. Gieseler, et al. Chiral plasmonic metasurface assembled by DNA origami. Opt. Express, 32, 16040 (2024).
2024 DOI Publication link
Metamaterials, Optical Metrology and Sensing, optical chirality, plasmonics, Advanced Finite Element Methods, Light Scattering Computation
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Mixed noise and posterior estimation with conditional deepGEM
This work develops an expectation-maximization algorithm for jointly estimating posterior distributions and mixed (additive and multiplicative Gaussian) noise parameters in Bayesian inverse problems. The authors apply their method to real-world applications in nanometrology, specifically EUV scatterometry for characterizing nanostructures. JCMsuite was used to simulate the complex optical forward model (solving Maxwell's equations) for a line grating with an oxide layer, generating the data necessary to train and validate their proposed deep learning framework.
P. Hagemann, et al. Mixed noise and posterior estimation with conditional deepGEM. Mach. Learn.: Sci. Technol. 5, 035001 (2024).
2024 DOI Publication link
Optical Metrology and Sensing, software benchmarks, Advanced Finite Element Methods, Optimization and Parameter Retrieval Methods, Uncertainty Quantification Methods
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Separating Material and Geometry Contributions to Circular Dichroism of Chiral Objects
This study developed a multi-scale computational approach to disentangle the contributions of geometry and material chirality to the circular dichroism (CD) of chiral objects. The researchers used JCMsuite to perform full-wave finite element simulations, extracting transition matrices to compute the optical response of objects like helices and tetrahedral sphere arrangements. This enabled the separation of CD into geometry- and material-dependent parts, showing that their linear superposition accurately predicts total CD, even for resonant systems.
L. Rebholz, et al. Separating the Material and Geometry Contribution to the Circular Dichroism of Chiral Objects Made from Chiral Media. ACS Photonics. 11, 1171-1179 (2024).
2024 DOI Publication link
Metamaterials, Optical Metrology and Sensing, optical chirality, Advanced Finite Element Methods