Finite Element Methods For Nonlinear Optical Waveguides

This book provides researchers at the forefront of nonlinear optical technologies with robust procedures and software for the systematic investigation of the fundamental phenomena in nonlinear optical waveguide structures. A full vectorial electromagnetic formulation is adopted and the conditions under which simplification to a scalar formulation is possible are clearly indicated. The need to model the dielectric saturation properly is identified, and improved algorithms are presented for obtaining the complete power dispersion curve of structures exhibiting bistability. As the stability analysis of nonlinear modes is crucial to the development of nonlinear model methods, an effective procedure to investigate the propagation of the scalar nonlinear waves in 3D is another important feature of the book. All of the procedures described, as well as an automatic mesh generator for the finite element method, are incorporated into a software package which is included with this book.

Recent advances in the field of guided-wave optics, such as fiber optics and integrated optics, have included the introduction of arbitrarily-shaped optical waveguides which, in many cases, also happened to be arbitrarily inhomogeneous, dissipative, anisotropic, and/or nonlinear. Most of such cases of waveguide arbitrariness do not lend themselves to analytical so lutions; hence, computational tools for modeling and simulation are es sential for successful design, optimization, and realization of the optical waveguides. For this purpose, various numerical techniques have been de veloped. In particular, the finite element method (FEM) is a powerful and efficient tool for the most general (i. e. , arbitrarily-shaped, inhomogeneous, dissipative, anisotropic, and nonlinear) optical waveguide problem. Its use in industry and research is extensive, and indeed it could be said that with out it many optical waveguide problems would be incapable of solution. This book is intended for students, engineers, designers, and techni cal managers interested in a detailed description of the FEM for optical waveguide analysis. Starting from a brief review of electromagnetic theory, the first chapter provides the concepts of the FEM and its fundamentals. In addition to conventional elements, i. e. , line elements, triangular elements, tetrahedral elements, ring elements, and triangular ring elements which are utilized for one-dimensional, two-dimensional, three-dimensional, axisymmetric two dimensional, and axisymmetric three-dimensional problems, respectively, special-purpose elements, such as isoparametric elements, edge elements, infinite elements, and boundary elements, are also introduced.

Recent advances in the field of guided-wave optics, such as fiber optics and integrated optics, have included the introduction of arbitrarily-shaped optical waveguides which, in many cases, also happened to be arbitrarily inhomogeneous, dissipative, anisotropic, and/or nonlinear. Most of such cases of waveguide arbitrariness do not lend themselves to analytical so lutions; hence, computational tools for modeling and simulation are es sential for successful design, optimization, and realization of the optical waveguides. For this purpose, various numerical techniques have been de veloped. In particular, the finite element method (FEM) is a powerful and efficient tool for the most general (i. e. , arbitrarily-shaped, inhomogeneous, dissipative, anisotropic, and nonlinear) optical waveguide problem. Its use in industry and research is extensive, and indeed it could be said that with out it many optical waveguide problems would be incapable of solution. This book is intended for students, engineers, designers, and techni cal managers interested in a detailed description of the FEM for optical waveguide analysis. Starting from a brief review of electromagnetic theory, the first chapter provides the concepts of the FEM and its fundamentals. In addition to conventional elements, i. e. , line elements, triangular elements, tetrahedral elements, ring elements, and triangular ring elements which are utilized for one-dimensional, two-dimensional, three-dimensional, axisymmetric two dimensional, and axisymmetric three-dimensional problems, respectively, special-purpose elements, such as isoparametric elements, edge elements, infinite elements, and boundary elements, are also introduced.

Dielectric optical waveguides have been investigated for more than two decades. In the last ten years they have had the unique position of being simultaneously the backbone of a very practical and fully developed technology, as well as an extremely exciting area of basic, forefront research. Existing waveguides can be divided into two sets: one consisting of waveguides which are already in practical use, and the second of those which are still at the laboratory stage of their evolution. This book is divided into two separate parts: the first dealing with anisotropic waveguides, and the second with nonlinear behaviour. Nonlinear behaviour in optical waveguides is a topic of current research interest, an effect eagerly being sought in waveguides. The relative importance of nonlinearity versus anisotropy in theoretical papers changes enormously from problem to problem. Many theories can be quite useful and enlightening even though they neglect entirely one of the two aspects. Scientists may find their research work leading them in the near future to deal simultaneously with anisotropy and nonlinearity in order to pursue their own investigations. This book will be of interest to researchers who first need to understand the individual topics, suitably chosen from the two parts of this work, thus providing them with the necessary ingredients to pursue their explorations.

The term photonics can be used loosely to refer to a vast array of components, devices, and technologies that in some way involve manipulation of light. One of the most powerful numerical approaches available to engineers developing photonic components and devices is the Finite Element Method (FEM), which can be used to model and simulate such components/devices and analyze how they will behave in response to various outside influences. This resource provides a comprehensive description of the formulation and applications of FEM in photonics applications ranging from telecommunications, astronomy, and sensing, to chemistry, imaging, and biomedical R&D. This book emphasizes practical, problem-solving applications and includes real-world examples to assist readers in understanding how mathematical concepts translate to computer code for finite element-based methods applicable to a range of photonic structures. In addition, this is the perfect support to anyone using the COMSOL Multiphysics© RF Module.

Fundamentals of Optical Waveguides is an essential resource for any researcher, professional or student involved in optics and communications engineering. Any reader interested in designing or actively working with optical devices must have a firm grasp of the principles of lightwave propagation. Katsunari Okamoto has presented this difficult technology clearly and concisely with several illustrations and equations. Optical theory encompassed in this reference includes coupled mode theory, nonlinear optical effects, finite element method, beam propagation method, staircase concatenation method, along with several central theorems and formulas. Since the publication of the well-received first edition of this book, planar lightwave circuits and photonic crystal fibers have fully matured. With this second edition the advances of these fibers along with other improvements on existing optical technologies are completely detailed. This comprehensive volume enables readers to fully analyze, design and simulate optical atmospheres. Exceptional new chapter on Arrayed-Waveguide Grating (AWG) In-depth discussion of Photonic Crystal Fibers (PCFs) Thorough explanation of Multimode Interference Devices (MMI) Full coverage of polarization Mode Dispersion (PMD)

Photonics Modeling and Design delivers a concise introduction to the modeling and design of photonic devices. Assuming a general knowledge of photonics and the operating principles of fibre and semiconductor lasers, this book: Describes the analysis of the light propagation in dielectric media Discusses heat diffusion and carrier transport Applies the presented theory to develop fibre and semiconductor laser models Addresses the propagation of short optical pulses in optical fibres Puts all modeling into practical context with examples of devices currently in development or on the market Providing hands-on guidance in the form of MATLAB® scripts, tips, and other downloadable content, Photonics Modeling and Design is written for students and professionals interested in modeling photonic devices either for gaining a deeper understanding of the operation or to optimize the design.