A vector finite element method with the high-order mixed-interpolation-type triangular elements for optical waveguiding problems

A vector finite element method with the high-order mixed-interpolation-type triangular elements is described for the analysis of optical waveguiding problems. It is a combination of linear edge elements for transverse components of the electric or magnetic field and quadratic nodal elements for the axial one. The use of mixed-interpolation-type elements provides a direct solution for propagation constants and avoids spurious solutions. This approach can yield more accurate results compared with the conventional approach using the lowest order mixed-interpolation-type elements, namely, constant edge elements and linear nodal elements. The accuracy of this approach is investigated by calculating the propagation characteristics of optical rib waveguides. Results obtained for both E/sup x/ and E/sup y/ polarizations are validated using benchmark results produced by established methods.<
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