NEW TECHNIQUE FOR FINITE-DIFFERENCE ANALYSIS OF OPTICAL WAVE-GUIDE PROBLEMS

The method of effective penetration depth is used to produce a novel s calar or polarized finite difference approach for the solution of opti cal rib waveguide field problems. The new method is quicker than previ ous finite difference approaches and requires less computer memory. Pr opagation constant values are presented for a range of semiconductor r ib waveguides and are found to be indistinguishable from benchmark res ults produced using earlier methods of analysis. A simple polarization correction formula recently derived is confirmed by utilizing the goo d accuracy of these results. This enables discussion of the relationsh ip between quasi-TE, quasi-TM and scalar modes, and a further substant ial reduction of the cpu time.