Abstract

We present an exact formulation of the electromagnetic field incident on an optical waveguide. From this formulation, the expression for the critical angle is derived as a natural consequence. Expressions for the total fraction of power confined within a waveguide are analyzed using parameters associated with the absorption properties of the waveguide. An explicit equation for the fraction of energy confined within a waveguide supporting two sets of modes is also presented and discussed.

© 1986 Optical Society of America