Analysis of stripe multilayer waveguides with effective index and finite element methods

An algorithm for a fast and accurate analysis of stripe multiple quantum well (MQW) waveguides is presented. The technique is based on the combination of effective index and finite element methods. The stripe MQW structure is replaced by an equivalent planar waveguide, using the effective index method to derive the (refractive index) profile of the planar guide from the original problem. The propagation constants and field intensity profiles of E_mn^X and E_mn^Y modes for the equivalent structure are then calculated with the one-dimensional finite element method. The results obtained with this technique are presented for both symmetric and asymmetric stripe MQW structures with an arbitrary number of wells. Propagation characteristics obtained for a six-well MQW waveguide are in good agreement with those evaluated (for comparison) using full two-dimensional finite element analysis