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Updated: Jun 20, 2026
11:08
Fabrication And Characterization Of Photonic Crystal Slow Light Waveguides And Cavities
Published on: November 30, 2012
Modeling of the optical force between propagating lightwaves in parallel 3D waveguides.
W H P Pernice1, Mo Li, King Yan Fong
1Department of Electrical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.
Optics Express
|September 3, 2009
Summary
We analyzed optical gradient force in coupled waveguides. The force magnitude and direction change along the waveguide, offering new designs for tunable directional couplers.
Area of Science:
- Optics
- Photonics
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Optical gradient force is crucial for manipulating micro- and nanostructures.
- Coupled waveguides are fundamental components in photonic integrated circuits.
- Understanding forces within these systems is key for device design.
Purpose of the Study:
- To rigorously analyze the 3D optical gradient force between coupled single-mode waveguides.
- To investigate the spatial variation of optical force characteristics.
- To establish design principles for novel optomechanical devices.
Main Methods:
- Utilized eigenmode expansion to determine optical mode patterns in coupled waveguide systems.
- Performed a detailed theoretical analysis of the optical gradient force.
- Investigated the force's behavior along the waveguide length.
Main Results:
- The optical gradient force exhibits variations in both sign and amplitude along the waveguide.
- A characteristic beating length governs the spatial modulation of the optical force.
- Identified discrepancies with previous theoretical models regarding force behavior.
Conclusions:
- The spatial variation of optical force provides new avenues for device control.
- Design principles for optomechanically tunable directional couplers are established.
- This work advances the understanding of light-matter interactions in integrated photonic systems.
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