A comprehensive analysis of multilayer channel waveguides

Using a simple approach based on the scalar finite element method, propagation characteristics of multilayer channel waveguides are calculated. The effective index, modal field, confinement factor, far-field intensity pattern, and radiation angle of the far-field pattern (full width at half maximum intensity) for multilayer channel waveguides formed with multiple quantum well (MQW) materials and with the MQW materials replaced by a single homogeneous material with the root mean square value of the refractive indexes are compared. Numerical results confirm that the root-mean-square-value approximation, which has been widely used for planar MQW (two-dimensional) waveguides, is useful also for MQW channel (three-dimensional) waveguides with a large number of layers.<
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