Analytical approximation for photonic array modes in one-dimensional photonic crystal devices

Area of Science:

• Photonics and Wave Phenomena
• Solid-State Physics
• Electromagnetism

Background:

• Photonic crystals, particularly one-dimensional (1D) arrays, are crucial in modern optics.
• Accurate modeling of array modes is essential for device design and performance prediction.
• Existing methods for analyzing photonic array modes can be computationally intensive.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel analytical approximation for photonic array modes.
• To provide fast, simple, and accurate evaluation of electromagnetic fields in 1D photonic crystal devices.
• To enable efficient analysis of devices such as coupled waveguide arrays and phase-locked laser arrays.

Main Methods:

• Development of approximate analytical expressions for array modes.
• Focus on one-dimensional photonic crystals with light propagation along the optical axis.
• Mathematical derivation of spatial distribution and propagation constants for array modes.

Main Results:

• Successful derivation of approximate analytical expressions for array modes.
• Demonstration of the method's applicability to large arrays of coupled identical planar waveguides and phase-locked lasers.
• Validation of the approach for accurate electromagnetic field evaluation.

Conclusions:

• The presented analytical approximation offers a significant advancement in the study of 1D photonic crystals.
• This method provides a computationally efficient alternative for analyzing photonic array devices.
• The findings facilitate faster and more accurate design and understanding of photonic integrated circuits.