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Two-dimensional model for three-dimensional index-guided multimode plasmonic waveguides and the design of ultrasmall
1Center for Optical and Electromagnetic Research, and Joint Research Center of Photonics of Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden and Zhejiang University, Zijingang Campus, Zhejiang University, China.
Applied Optics
|September 7, 2007
Summary
A new effective-index method simplifies 3D plasmonic waveguides to 2D models for efficient device design. This approximation improves with larger waveguide widths, aiding the creation of compact multimode interference splitters.
Area of Science:
- Photonics and Plasmonics
- Nanophotonics
- Waveguide Theory
Background:
- Multimode plasmonic waveguides offer unique light-manipulation properties.
- Designing complex 3D plasmonic devices is computationally intensive.
- Simplified models are crucial for efficient device engineering.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a simplified 2D model for 3D index-guided multimode plasmonic waveguides.
- To validate the accuracy and applicability of the 2D approximation.
- To enable faster design of intricate plasmonic devices.
Main Methods:
- Application of the effective-index method to approximate 3D waveguides.
- Analysis of approximation accuracy with varying waveguide widths.
- Design of 1 x N ultrasmall multimode interference splitters using the 2D model.
- Validation of 2D model designs with 3D finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulations.
Main Results:
- A 3D multimode plasmonic waveguide can be accurately represented by a 2D lossy slab waveguide model.
- The 2D approximation's accuracy increases with the multimode waveguide's width.
- The 2D model facilitates the design of compact 1 x N multimode interference splitters.
- Simulations confirm the validity of the 2D model for device design.
Conclusions:
- The effective-index method provides a viable and efficient 2D approximation for 3D multimode plasmonic waveguides.
- This simplification accelerates the design process for complex plasmonic devices.
- The validated 2D model is suitable for engineering ultrasmall multimode interference splitters.
