Strip-loaded diffused optical waveguides

A strip-loaded diffused optical waveguide consists of a one-dimensional diffused guide with a narrow loading strip of dielectric deposited on the surface. Two-dimensional modes can exist in the diffused material, confined in depth by the diffusion and in width by the loading strip. The propagation constants of these two-dimensional modes are calculated. The requirements for the index of refraction and width of the loading strip are discussed along with the rate of decay of electric-field amplitude away from the strip. A numerical example typical of Ti-diffused LiNbO
3
is given.