Improved coupled-mode theory for anisotropic waveguide modulators

An improved coupled-mode theory for the propagation of modulated light waves in anisotropic dielectric waveguides is presented. Starting from Maxwell's equations, a partial differential equation is derived to describe mode-coupling between two normal modes which may propagate in anisotropic waveguide systems under modulation. The theory is applied to the analysis of typical waveguide modulators; examples for LiNbO/sub 3/ phase modulator, Mach-Zehnder, and directional coupler modulator are presented. The theory is applicable to both bulk and waveguide modulators/switches from DC to the high-frequency band. The only limitation is that the modulating wave has to propagate collinearly to the light waves.<
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