Reducing radiation losses of one-dimensional photonic-crystal reflectors on a silica waveguide

Interferometric behaviours in radiation generation process of a one-dimensional photonic-crystal (PhC) reflector are investigated on a silica waveguide. An analytical model, which can calculate total radiation losses, is presented after analysing eigen-mode properties and radiation pattern characteristics. Our model takes into account the interference of component radiated waves generated at interfaces between different waveguide sections and is verified by comparing with numerical simulations of periodic and non-periodic one-dimensional PhC reflectors. Its capability to quickly find minimum-radiation tapering geometries helps circumvent time-consuming numerical simulations. Our model negates the conventional knowledge that a gradually tapered transition from uniform waveguide to PhC waveguide yields lower radiation loss. In one example, the gradually tapered transition produces 2.3dB more radiation than the optimum geometry.