A 1x4 power-splitter based on photonic crystal Y-splitter and directional couplers

Abstract

A 1×4 photonic crystal power splitter operating in the optical communication window is demonstrated by plane-wave expansion and finite-difference time-domain simulations. The device consists of one Y-junction and two directional couplers. Double 60o bends are formed at the exit of directional couplers to prevent crosstalk. The Y-junction, double bends and coupling holes at the directional couplers are optimized to increase the transmission efficiency at the output ports. The simulation results exhibit almost equal power splitting with low loss characteristic. The investigated design shows potential for optical switching and routing applications in optical communications.