Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOF
Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOF
Sperrfrist bis telefonischer Freigabe! In einem Laserlabor des Instituts für Angewandte Physik der Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena experimentriert der Physik-Doktorand Felix Dreisow am Montag (27.04.2009) mit einem etwa zehn Zentimeter langen Lichtwellen-Leiter aus Glas, dessen optische Eigenschaften durch Behandlung mit einem sogenannten Femtosekundenlaser gezielt modifiziert wurde. Normalerweise sind Lichtstrahlen an gläsernen Wellenleitern nur an der Ein- und an der Austrittsfläche erkennbar, durch das von den Wissenschaftlern der Arbeitsgruppe "Ultraschnelle Optik" entwickelte Verfahren kann der genaue Weg eines Lichtstrahls durch einen Wellenleiter sichtbar gemacht und kontrolliert werden. Die praktische Anwendung für ihre Grundlagenforschungen sehen die Jenaer Physiker beispielsweise in der Telekommunikationstechnik oder bei bildgebenden Verfahren. Foto:Jan-Peter Kasper dpa/lth

Waveguide Design and Analysis

Software

The design of integrated optical components requires a series of software tools based on different numeric methods.

For the eigenmode calculation, finite-difference and finite-element methods, mode matching and transfer matrix processes are employed, using which cylindrical refraction index profiles can also be processed.

For the field propagation, the following are used:

  • Beam propagation methods
  • Mode propagation
  • Finite-difference time-domain methods

Raytracing processes are used for multimode designs.

Programs, macros and interface routines developed in-house are used for the following tasks:

  • Optimizing waveguide switches
  • Analysis of experimental data with measurement of diffraction index distribution of waveguide configurations
  • Modeling of various physical aspects
  • Thermo-optical waveguide components
  • Design of hybrid systems from micro-optical and integrated optical components

 

Experience

  • WDM and DWDM components based on various waveguide types and materials (step index, gradient index etc.)
  • 3D waveguide fan-out for optical HF signal summation
  • 1xN and NxM distributors in cascades 1x2 and star configurations
  • Planar waveguides in polymer materials
  • Reduction of cross-talk attenuation in switching networks
  • Anti-resonant reflecting optical waveguides
  • Inclusion of measurements of refraction index distribution determined using RNF in the development of waveguide switches
  • Waveguide arrays for fluorescence detection
  • Biosensors with surface plasmon polariton excitation
  • Diffractive beam shaping in semiconductor broad-area waveguide lasers

 

Our work

  • Design of passive and active waveguide components on the basis of modern software tools and longstanding design experience
  • Support in the development of waveguide components with mask layout, prototype development of polymer waveguides, waveguide characterization
  • Electrode design for waveguide components, e.g. modulators and switches
  • Complex analysis of waveguide components, e.g. for thermo-optical applications
  • Facilitation of contact with potential manufacturers
  • Consulting services

Further information