Abstract

The four modeling techniques compared for the eigenmode analysis of optical ridge guides are effective-index, finite-difference semivectorial, finite-element semivectorial, and vector-H formulation methods. We have written software for the effective-index and finite-difference semivectorial and Rahman and Davies’ finite-element vector-H formulation techniques. Comparison of these methods are made by applying them to a single three-layer ridge guide with variable ridge height and outer slab thickness. The eigenvalue solutions from these methods yield the propagating modes and the normalized refractive indices for the various waveguide structures. Our results compare quite favorably with those of Stem and of Rahman and Davies.

© 1990 Optical Society of America