Abstract
We are interested in exploring the limit in using deep learning (DL) to study the electromagnetic (EM) response for complex and random metasurfaces, without any specific applications in mind. For simplicity, we focus on a simple pure reflection problem of a broadband EM plane wave incident normally on such complex metasurfaces in the frequency regime of 2-12 GHz. In doing so, we create a DL-based framework called the metasurface design deep convolutional neural network (MSDCNN) for both forward and inverse designs of three different classes of complex metasurfaces: (a) arbitrary connecting polygons, (b) basic pattern combination, and (c) fully random binary patterns. The performance of each metasurface is evaluated and cross-benchmarked. Dependent on the type of complex metasurfaces, sample size, and DL algorithms used, the MSDCNN is able to provide good agreement and can be a faster design tool for complex metasurfaces than the traditional full-wave EM simulation methods. However, no single universal deep convolutional neural network model can work well for all metasurface classes based on detailed statistical analysis (such as mean, variance, kurtosis, and mean-squared error). Our findings report important information on the advantages and limitations of current DL models in designing these ultimately complex metasurfaces.(c) 2021 Author(s). All article content, except where otherwise noted, is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).