Abstract

Coupled single-mode optical waveguides with adjustable phase-mismatch are a key component in many electrooptic devices. Here we introduce and present key results for a three-space representation of the transfer characteristics of optical circuits employing coupling and phase-mismatch between waveguides. This approach permits an intuitive understanding of the operation of devices, such as the directional coupler and Mach-Zehnder switches, the Δβ-reversal coupler, optical combiners, and polarization transformers. As such, the method is conducive to innovative device design. A novel class of switch has been identified using this formalism and has been demonstrated experimentally.

© 1986 Optical Society of America