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Multimode interference demultiplexers and splitters in metal-insulator-metal waveguides
1Department of Physics, The State Key Laboratory on Fiber Optic Local Area Communication Networks and Advanced Optical Communication Systems, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
Optics Express
|April 1, 2011
Summary
This study explores the multimode interference (MMI) effect in metal-insulator-metal (MIM) waveguides. Researchers demonstrated wavelength-selective routing and splitting with high extinction ratios, enabling active control in plasmonic devices.
Area of Science:
- Photonics and Nanotechnology
- Plasmonics
Background:
- Metal-insulator-metal (MIM) waveguides support surface plasmon polaritons.
- Multimode interference (MMI) is a phenomenon where light interferes within a waveguide.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the multimode interference (MMI) effect in metal-insulator-metal (MIM) waveguides.
- To guide the design of plasmonic MMI devices through theoretical and simulation analysis.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical calculations utilizing the self-imaging principle.
- Finite element method (FEM) simulations for waveguide analysis.
Main Results:
- Demonstration of wavelength-selective routing and splitting capabilities.
- Achieved high extinction ratios in multimode waveguides.
- Showcased active control via refractive index modulation.
Conclusions:
- The multimode interference (MMI) effect in MIM waveguides is a viable mechanism for advanced photonic devices.
- Plasmonic MMI devices can be designed for efficient wavelength-selective functions.
- Active control of light propagation is achievable through refractive index modulation in these structures.
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