Low-index-contrast waveguide bend based on truncated Eaton lens implemented by graded photonic crystals

Abstract

Low-index contrast waveguides such as silica waveguides are indispensable part of passive integrated optical components. Reducing the bending radius of silica waveguides with low bend loss is vital in miniaturizing silica planar lightwave circuits. The Eaton lens is a gradient index lens that can bend parallel light rays by 90{\deg}, 180{\deg}, or 360{\deg}. We present a low-loss and compact 90{\deg} waveguide bend with a radius of 9 $\mu$m designed by truncating the Eaton lens. The performance of the designed bend, implemented by graded photonic crystal, was evaluated by full-wave two-dimensional finite element method. The average bend loss in the C-band is 0.9dB while the average bend loss for the wavelength range of 1260-1675nm is 1.05dB. The proposed design strategy can be applied to other low-index contrast waveguides.