Modeling high-speed optoelectronic components using the method of lines

This paper discusses the application of the Method of Lines (MoL) to electromagnetic modeling problems encountered in high-speed optoelectronics. The optical performance of a novel traveling-wave photodetector is characterized and the level of interaction between an optical mode propagating in the photodetector and the overlying metal electrode is assessed. Losses are taken into account and complete modal analysis results are given for the main horizontally polarized optical mode supported by the device.