Abstract

The efficient transfer of energy from dielectric regions to semiconductor-clad regions in semiconductor-clad dielectric waveguides is of paramount importance to the operation of waveguide polarizers and detectors. We have experimentally shown that the coupling of energy from dielectric guiding regions to semiconductor-clad regions is highly dependent on cladding thickness and polarization. Accurate tuning of cladding thicknesses allows for the selective attenuation of either TM- or TE-polarized waves, but the opposite polarization (TE or TM, respectively) passes with minimal loss. This effect lends itself well to the fabrication of waveguide polarizers and detectors that respond to only one incident polarization.

© 1990 Optical Society of America