Lossy multilayer channel optical waveguides analyzed by the transmission line matrix method

Area of Science:

• Optoelectronics and Photonics
• Computational Electromagnetics

Background:

• Analyzing complex optical waveguide structures is crucial for developing advanced photonic devices.
• Existing methods may have limitations in handling lossy multilayer geometries and discontinuities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the applicability and accuracy of the three-dimensional vectorial transmission line matrix (TLM) method for analyzing lossy multilayer optical waveguides.
• To investigate the capability of the TLM method in considering all optical field components and complex waveguide geometries.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of the three-dimensional vectorial transmission line matrix (TLM) method.
• Analysis of lossy multilayer optical waveguide structures, including those with transverse plane discontinuities.
• Calculation of complex propagation constants (propagation constants and attenuation coefficients) for fundamental TE-like and TM-like modes.

Main Results:

• The TLM method is shown to be applicable to lossy multilayer optical waveguides.
• Accurate determination of complex propagation constants and attenuation coefficients for fundamental modes.
• Electric-field patterns were calculated, and numerical comparisons validated the TLM method's accuracy against established techniques.

Conclusions:

• The three-dimensional vectorial TLM method provides an accurate and versatile tool for the analysis of lossy multilayer optical waveguides.
• The method effectively handles complex geometries and field couplings, offering reliable optical mode parameter extraction.