PC software for analysis of versatile integrated optical waveguides by polarised semi-vectorial finite difference method

Abstract In this paper, a generic software package that provides an interactive and graphical environment for analysis by polarised semi-vectorial finite difference (SVFD) method of all kinds of integrated optical waveguides, such as buried channel, raised strip, rib, embedded, or ridge waveguides, is described. A coherent design rationale is formulated that takes into account the terms due to the interface between each layer as the basis of modal birefringence in integrated optics. Then, according to the opto-geometric parameters of a given waveguide, the modal propagation constants and the spatial fields patterns are calculated. Three examples regarding typical rib waveguides are dealt with, allowing to discuss the results (effective index values) compared with that of the Galerkin method. As fitted for personal computers, this software should be most useful for designing integrated optics components.