Analysis of single-mode optical waveguides by means of an equivalent optical waveguide technique

Abstract

We present a theoretical method that makes it possible to analyze 3-D integrated optical waveguides with arbitrary refractive-index profiles. With this method it is easy to obtain effective indices, propagation constants, and coupling/switching properties of planar and channel optical waveguides. This theoretical approach involves modeling the original optical waveguide by means of an equivalent optical waveguide whose eftective index is evaluated by applying a technique that we call the asymptotic eftective-index method. The numerical values show good convergence and accuracy for effective indices, propagation constants, and coupling/switching characteristics. Theoretical and experimental values are given.