Towards numerical vector Helmholtz solutions in integrated photonics

• Published in: Proceedings of 2003 5th International Conference on Transparent Optical Networks : collocated with 2nd Workshop on All-Optical Routing : June 30, in association with COST 266 and 2nd European Symposium on Photonic Crystals, June 30-July 1, in association w Vol. 2; pp. 1 - 4 vol.2
• Main Authors: Benson, T.M., Djurdjevic, D., Wykes, J., Vukovic, A., Sewell, P.
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: IEEE 2003
• Subjects: Arrayed waveguide gratings; Boundary conditions; Computational modeling; Computer simulation; Design engineering; Electromagnetics; Equations; Finite difference methods; Photonics; Polarization
• ISBN: 0780378164; 9780780378162
• DOI: 10.1109/ICTON.2003.1263132

Much present day simulation and design for optoelectronics involves approximations due to the limitations of today's computer resources. For example, finite difference beam propagation (FD-BPM) methods assume that the propagation takes the form of an envelope function multiplied by a propagation factor. These approximations can limit the utility of present methods. The next generation of software must aim to eliminate these limitations, ideally correctly solving the vector Helmholtz equation subject to open boundary conditions. In this paper we will address how advances in our understanding, novel approaches and computer power are moving us towards this goal.