Abstract

In a previous paper,¹ we presented general formulas describing field distributions, eigenvalue equations, and power flow for both TE and TM modes in multilayer slab waveguides. These formulas for TE modes are now extended to the case of multilayer slab waveguides surrounded by nonlinear media with positive nonlinear coefficients. By introducing a parameter ψ_i (half-phase shift) for each of the two outermost layers, we found that the extended formulas are formally identical with those of the linear counterparts for eigenvalue equations and power flow and are slightly different in the outermost layers with those of the linear counterparts for field distributions. The parameter ψ_i is constant when the layer is linear and a function of the intensity in the outermost boundary interface when the layer is nonlinear. Applying these new formulas to the three-layer case, a thin film bounded by two nonlinear media, we have obtained the results which, although different in form, agree with those derived by other authors. Also, four-layer structured and symmetrically five-layer structured waveguides with nonlinear outermost media are discussed, and some numerical results are presented.

© 1987 Optical Society of America