Abstract

A simple method is outlined for the calculation of the refractive-index profiles of both multimode and monomode planar optical waveguides. The method is an extension of the well-established IWKB method. The parameters required are the dispersion relation of the surface index changes and the effective indices at different wavelengths. As an example, the refractive-index profile of a monomode z-cut KTiOPO₄ planar waveguide fabricated by Rb⁺:K⁺ exchange is computed. Close agreement is obtained, indicating the practicality of this method. The method is also applicable to optical waveguides in other materials, such as LiNbO₃, LiTaO₃, and glass.

© 1995 Optical Society of America

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