Abstract: We show that, for an optical microcavity side coupled with a waveguide, sharp, and asymmetric line shapes can be created in the response function by placing two partially reflecting elements into the waveguides. In such a system, the transmission coefficient varies from 0% to 100% in a frequency range narrower than the full width of the resonance itself. We numerically demonstrate this effect by simulating the propagation of electromagnetic waves in a photonic crystal.

Abstract: The propagation of waves supported by capacitively loaded loops is investigated using a circuit model in which each loop is coupled magnetically to a number of other loops. Since the coupling is due to induced voltages the waves are referred to as magnetoinductive (MI) waves. The mathematical formulations are mostly analytical thanks to long standing previous work on the magnetic and electric fields generated by currents flowing in loops. Retardation is neglected, i.e., dimensions of the structure are assumed to be small relative to the free space wavelength. The dispersion relations, derived in the most general case for a tetragonal three-dimensional structure, exhibit both forward and backward waves within a pass band. It is shown that for reproducing the salient features of the waves it is sufficient to take nearest neighbor coupling into account but coupling between loops further away must also be considered if higher accuracy is required. The investigations include that of resonances, conditions for the existence of traveling waves, tolerances, and streamlines of the Poynting vector. Waveguide components, like bends, power dividers and couplers are considered due to the potential applications of the MI waves as magnetic guides. Generality of the results, their possible implications for transverse electromagnetic wave propagation, previous work on similar waves, including the possibility of phase conjugation, are discussed in a separate section.

Abstract: This review discusses the present state-of-the-art of passive high-power microwave components for applications in microwave systems for RF plasma generation and heating, plasma diagnostics, plasma and microwave materials processing, spectroscopy, communication, radar ranging and imaging, and for drivers of next generation high-field-gradient electron-positron linear colliders. The paper reports on high-power components for overmoded high-power transmission systems such as smooth-wall waveguides, HE/sub 11/ hybrid mode waveguides and quasi-optical TEM/sub 00/ beam waveguides. These include various types of mode converters, polarizers, cross-section tapers, bends, mode selective filters, pulse compressors, DC-breaks, directional couplers, beam combiners and dividers, vacuum windows, and instruments for mode analysis. Problems of ohmic attenuation and unwanted conversion to parasitic modes are discussed in detail and rules for alignment requirements are given. In the case of waveguide transmission, this review mainly concentrates on circular waveguide components but also deals with rectangular waveguide.

Abstract: A method for converting electromagnetic (EM) energy between guided modes of a photonic crystal waveguide (800) having a waveguide axis (810), the method including: (i) providing the photonic crystal waveguide (800) with a mode coupling segment (820) comprising at least one bend (830) in the waveguide axis (810), wherein during operation the mode coupling segment (820) converts EM energy in a first guided mode to a second guided mode; (ii) providing EM energy in the first guided mode of the photonic crystal waveguide (800); and (iii) allowing the EM energy in the first guided mode to encounter the mode coupling segment to convert at least some of the EM energy in the first guided mode to EM energy in the second guided mode.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and an apparatus for analysis of an analyte. The method involves providing a zero-mode waveguide which includes a cladding surrounding a core where the cladding is configured to preclude propagation of electromagnetic energy of a frequency less than a cutoff frequency longitudinally through the core of the zero-mode waveguide. The analyte is positioned in the core of the zero-mode waveguide and is then subjected, in the core of the zero-mode waveguide, to activating electromagnetic radiation of a frequency less than the cut-off frequency under conditions effective to permit analysis of the analyte in an effective observation volume which is more compact than if the analysis were carried out in the absence of the zero-mode waveguide.

Abstract: A curved ultrasonic waveguide, as used in an ultrasonic surgical instrument, comprises two curved half-wave sections, having similar vibratory motion at their respective distal tips, which are integrally or compressively joined at the distal tips to create a single waveguide with a sharper bend radius than is conventionally possible. The resulting waveguide does not produce parasitic motion or generate excessive heat at the input or output portions of the waveguide.

Abstract: A phase shifting element adapted to introduce a variable phase shift to an electromagnetic wave includes a transmission line segment (10), such as amicrostrip line segment (1) or a segment of a waveguide, above a ground plane (or waveguide wall) (2). The ground plane or wall (2) includes at least one aperture (3) positioned below the microstrip line or waveguide segment (1). An electrically conductive tuning plate (4) is provided adjacent the ground plane or wall (2) and is movable, toward or away from the ground plane or wall. Movement of the tuning plate (4) provides adjustement of the phase shift introduced to an electromagnetic wave propagated through the waveguide segment.

Abstract: We study theoretically the propagation of acoustic waves through a linear waveguide, created inside a two-dimensional phononic crystal, along which a side branch (or stub) is attached The primary effect of this resonatoris to induce zeros of transmission in the transmission spectrum of the perfect waveguide The transmittivity exhibits very narrow dips whose frequencies depend upon the width and the length of the stub When a gap exists in the transmittivity of the perfect waveguide, the stub may also permit selective frequency transmission in this gap We have considered phononic crystals constituted by either fluid or solid constituents The calculations of the band structure and transmittivity are performed by a combination of finite-difference time domain and plane-wave expansion methods

Abstract: The index of refraction of waveguide structures can be varied by altering carrier concentration. The waveguides preferably comprise semiconductors like silicon that are substantially optically transmissive at certain wavelengths. Variation of the carrier density in these semiconductors may be effectuated by inducing an electric field within the semiconductor for example by apply a voltage to electrodes associated with the semiconductor. Variable control of the index of refraction may be used to implement a variety of functionalites including, but not limited to, tunable waveguide gratings and resonant cavities, switchable couplers, modulators, and optical switches.

Abstract: A polarized light-emitting waveguide for use in an edge-lit lighting arrangement /77) has polarization-selective outcoupling means including at least a volume hologram (87) for selectively diffracting waveguided light towards the exit surface of the waveguide with high contrast and efficiency. The light emitted by the waveguide is selectively emitted to one side thereof , highly polarized, highly collimated and may be homogeneously distributed across the exit surface. Also, light emission may be normal or near-normal to the exit surface. If combined with light recycling means (89) the contrast, brightness and/or efficiency of the edge-lit illumination arrangement may be further increased.

Abstract: An optical switch that is constructed on a substrate having first and second waveguides that intersect at a gap having a predetermined width. The first and second waveguides are positioned such that light traversing the first waveguide enters the second waveguide when the gap is filled with a liquid having a first index of refraction. The gap is part of a trench in the substrate having a first region that includes the gap and a second region adjacent to the first region. The second region has a width greater than the width of the first region. A liquid having the first index of refraction is disposed in the first region. The liquid generates a gas when heated to a predetermined temperature. A first heater is disposed in the first region for heating the liquid to the predetermined temperature thereby generating a gas bubble in the liquid at the gap. Light traversing the first waveguide is reflected by the gap when the gap is filled with a gas. To change the switch into the non-reflecting state, the bubble is displaced to the second region of the trench, in response to a control signal. The displacement mechanism can be constructed from a second heater having a portion thereof located in the first region between the first heater and the second region. The displacement mechanism can also be constructed from a mechanism that applies a pressure differential across the first region thereby causing the bubble to partially extend into the second region. A third waveguide having an end terminating on the trench can also be included in the optical switch. The third waveguide is positioned such that light traversing the first waveguide enters the third waveguide when the gap is not filled with liquid.

Abstract: Two new straightforward methods for the evaluation of optical losses in planar waveguides are proposed and discussed. The first method exploits a single nonsliding isosceles prism and it allows the attenuation to be determined through the measurement of the power exiting the waveguide and the evaluation of the coupled power. It requires a very simple operation procedure, it allows a mode-selective determination of losses, and it presents a good accuracy provided that the sample is not too short. The second method uses end-fire coupling and it is based on the measurement of the output power together with the power back-reflected by the output face of the waveguide. The main advantage of the method is that it can be very accurate also for shorter waveguides and that its accuracy is to a high degree insensitive with respect to the optical depth of the waveguide. It provides better results in the case of high refractive index waveguides that give an intense back-reflected signal. Experimental results obtained with both methods on two different waveguides are presented.

Abstract: In this paper, the authors propose a new type of microstrip line to waveguide transition that is fabricated on a single layer dielectric substrate. By controlling the size of a matching element and the length of an inserted microstrip line across a waveguide, impedance matching of the transition can be achieved.

Abstract: Ballistic spin transport through waveguides, with symmetric or asymmetric double stubs attached to them periodically, is studied systematically in the presence of a weak spin-orbit coupling that makes the electrons precess. By an appropriate choice of the waveguide length and of the stub parameters injected spin-polarized electrons can be blocked completely and the transmission shows a periodic and nearly-square-type behavior, with values 1 and 0, with wide gaps when only one mode is allowed to propagate in the waveguide. A similar behavior is possible for a certain range of the stub parameters even when two modes can propagate in the waveguide and the conductance is doubled. Such a structure is a good candidate for establishing a realistic spin transistor. A further modulation of the spin current can be achieved by inserting defects in a finite-number stub superlattice. Finite-temperature effects on the spin conductance are also considered.

Abstract: Generation and control of pulsed terahertz-frequency radiation have received extensive attention, with applications in terahertz spectroscopy, imaging and ultrahigh-bandwidth electro-optic signal processing. Terahertz 'polaritonics', in which terahertz lattice waves called phonon-polaritons are generated, manipulated and visualized with femtosecond optical pulses, offers prospects for an integrated solid-state platform for terahertz signal generation and guidance. Here, we extend terahertz polaritonics methods to patterned structures. We demonstrate femtosecond laser fabrication of polaritonic waveguide structures in lithium tantalate and lithium niobate crystals, and illustrate polariton focusing into, and propagation within, the fabricated waveguide structures. We also demonstrate a 90 degrees turn within a structure consisting of two waveguides and a reflecting face, as well as a structure consisting of splitting and recombining elements that can be used as a terahertz Mach-Zehnder interferometer. The structures permit integrated terahertz signal generation, propagation through waveguide-based devices, and readout within a single solid-state platform.

Abstract: A tunable nanomechanical filter system (10) comprising an array of nanofeatures (18), such as nanotubes, where the nanofeatures (18) are in signal communication with means for inducing a difference in charge density in the nanofeature (18) such that the mechanical resonant frequency of the nanofeature (18) can be tuned, and where the nanofeature (18) is in signal communication with a waveguide (14) or other RF bias conduit such that an RF signal having a frequency corresponding to the mechanical resonant frequency of the array will couple to the array thereby inducing resonant motion in the array of nanofeatures (18), and subsequently coupling to an output waveguide (16), forming a nanoscale RF filter (10) is provided. A method of producing a nanoscale RF filter (10) structure controllably positioned and oriented with a waveguide (14/16) and integrated electrodes (20) is also provided.

Abstract: We present an overview of the properties of nonlinear guided waves and (bright and dark) spatial optical solitons in a periodic medium created by linear and nonlinear waveguides. First we consider a single layer with a cubic nonlinear response (a nonlinear slab waveguide) embedded in a periodic layered linear medium and describe nonlinear localized modes (guided waves and Bragg-like localized gap modes) and their stability. Then we study modulational instability as well as the existence and stability of discrete spatial solitons in a periodic array of identical nonlinear layers, a one-dimensional model of nonlinear photonic crystals. We emphasize both similarities to and differences from the models described by the discrete nonlinear Schrodinger equation, which is derived in the tight-binding approximation, and the coupled-mode theory, which is valid for shallow periodic modulations.

Abstract: This work examines a simple one-dimensional acoustic band gap system made from a diameter-modulated waveguide. Experimental and theoretical results are presented on perfectly periodic waveguide arrays showing the presence of band gaps—frequency intervals in which the transmission of sound is forbidden. The introduction of defects in the perfect periodicity leads to narrow frequency transmission bands—defect states—within the forbidden band gaps. The circular cross-section waveguide system is straightforward to simulate theoretically and experimental results demonstrate good agreement with theory. The experimental transmission of the periodic waveguide arrays is measured using an impulse response technique.

Abstract: A photonic integrated circuit comprises a first waveguide with a first mode of light propagating therein and a second waveguide with a second mode of light propagating therein. The first and second modes of light have different effective indices of refraction. A taper formed in the second waveguide facilitates communication of light between waveguides. Each of the first and second waveguides operate to perform at least one of the generating light, detecting light, and transporting light.

Abstract: A numerical model based on a scalar beam propagation method is applied to study light transmission in photonic bandgap (PBG) waveguides. The similarity between a cylindrical waveguide with concentric layers of different indices and an analogous planar waveguide is demonstrated by comparing their transmission spectra that are numerically shown to have coinciding wavelengths for their respective transmission maxima and minima. Furthermore, the numerical model indicates the existence of two regimes of light propagation depending on the wavelength. Bragg scattering off the multiple high-index/low-index layers of the cladding determines the transmission spectrum for long wavelengths. As the wavelength decreases, the spectral features are found to be almost independent of the pitch of the multi-layer Bragg mirror stack. An analytical model based on an antiresonant reflecting guidance mechanism is developed to accurately predict the location of the transmission minima and maxima observed in the simulations when the wavelength of the launched light is short. Mode computations also show that the optical field is concentrated mostly in the core and the surrounding first high-index layers in the short-wavelength regime while the field extends well into the outermost layers of the Bragg structure for longer wavelengths. A simple physical model of the reflectivity at the core/high-index layer interface is used to intuitively understand some aspects of the numerical results as the transmission spectrum transitions from the short- to the long-wavelength regime.

Abstract: The idea of implementing optical filters by coupling evanescent waves from several diffracted orders into multiple leaky waveguide modes is studied theoretically. Using a dielectric thin-film structure consisting of a coupling grating placed between adjacent waveguides, guided-mode resonance filters exhibiting multiple reflection peaks within a specified wavelength range can be obtained. These peaks originate in the resonant waveguide modes that are excited by the diffracted waves dispersed by the grating. It is shown that this device can be used to realize multiwavelength as well as wide-band spectral filters.

Abstract: A system is provided for conversion of a first electromagnetic field into a desired second electromagnetic field, for example for coupling modes between waveguides or into microstructured waveguides. The system comprises a complex spatial electromagnetic field converter that is positioned for reception of at least a part of the first electromagnetic field and that is adapted for conversion of the received field into the desired electromagnetic field, and wherein at least one of the first and second fields matches a mode of a microstructured waveguide. It is an important advantage of the present invention that the full effect of an incident light beam may be utilized for exciting a desired complicated mode of a specific waveguide. It is another important advantage that the power of the incident beam may be coupled into one specific mode and not others whereby a high mode suppression ratio may be achieved.

Abstract: Air trench structures for reduced-size bends in low-index contrast waveguides are proposed. To minimize junction loss, the structures are designed to provide adiabatic mode shaping between low- and high-index contrast regions, which is achieved by the introduction of "cladding tapers." Drastic reduction in effective bend radius is predicted. We present two-dimensional (2-D) finite-difference time-domain/effective index method simulations of bends in representative silica index contrasts. We also argue that substrate loss, while present, can be controlled with such air trenches and reduced to arbitrarily low levels limited only by fabrication capabilities. The required trench depth, given an acceptable substrate loss, is calculated in three dimensions using an approximate equivalent current sheet method and also by a numerical solver for full-vector leaky modes. A simple, compact waveguide T-splitter using air trench bends is presented.

Abstract: A strip loaded waveguide comprises a slab and a strip, wherein the strip is separated from the slab. Nevertheless, a guiding region is provided for propagating an optical mode and this guiding region extends both within the strip and the slab. A layer of material having an index of refraction lower than that of the strip and the slab may be disposed between and separate the strip and the slab. In one embodiment, the slab comprises a crystalline silicon, the strip comprises polysilicon or crystalline silicon, and the layer of material therebetween comprises silicon dioxide. Such waveguides may be formed on the same substrate with transistors. These waveguides may also be electrically biased to alter the index of refraction and/or absorption of the waveguide.

Abstract: A mode analysis is presented for the case of a planar electron beam in a ridged waveguide slow-wave structure. By matching boundary conditions between a Fourier expansion of the mode between the ridges with a space-harmonic expansion of the mode in the region below the ridges, a dispersion relation for a traveling-wave interaction is found. The dispersion relation is numerically solved for both the case with and without beam. For the nominal geometry, gains as high as 30 dB/cm at 300 GHz are found for a 15 A, 155 keV beam.

Abstract: A method for the simulation of discontinuities in photonic crystal defect waveguides is presented. This frequency domain technique is based on the multiple multipole method. In contrast with other known techniques, spurious reflections (due to the impedance mismatch at the waveguide terminations) are avoided. The absence of spurious reflections allows one to characterize precisely the intrinsic behavior of the sole discontinuity, reducing at the same time the size of the simulation domain. To achieve a perfect impedance matching, the guided modes of infinitely long waveguides corresponding to the input and output channels of the discontinuity are first computed using a supercell approach. Then, the discontinuity is fed with one of the previously computed modes, and the fields transmitted or reflected towards the discontinuity arms are matched to the modal fields corresponding to each output waveguide. This method allows one to compute the intrinsic transmission and reflection coefficients of the discontinuity (i.e., coefficients not altered by additional effects such as finite crystal size, etc.). The procedure is presented in detail using some simple discontinuities as test cases. Then, it is applied to the computation of the coupling from a waveguide to free space and for the analysis of a filtering T junction.

Abstract: The possibility of using smectic liquid crystals in active wave- guide devices is explored through the analysis of both an integrated electro-optic switch and a continuously tunable filter. The two devices are based on a Bragg grating in planar waveguide with a liquid crystal over- layer, which enables changing the spectral behavior of the device. The fast and bistable switching of smectic C* in the surface-stabilized liquid crystal structure is used to investigate the possibility of realizing an inte- grated electro-optical switch. The principal advantage of this device is its spectral signature, which enables us to overcome the problems of inten- sity dependent devices. The soft-mode of smectic A* liquid crystals, enabling a continuous modulation of extraordinary refractive index, is used to design an integrated wavelength filter in the wavelength range of interest for optical communications. The principal advantages of such device include fast tuning speed, wide tuning range, low power dissipa- tion, and low cost. © 2002 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers.

Abstract: A wavelength-selective optical device for coupling of light at predetermined wavelength from one optical fiber waveguide (16) to another (18) using at least two gratings (22, 24) and cladding-mode assisted coupling is disclosed. The transfer of light is performed using intermediate coupling to one or more cladding mode of the waveguides (16, 18). In the case when the fibers have physically different claddings, an arrangement for transfer of light from one cladding to another is required. The disclosed coupler has no back-reflection, small insertion loss, and very high channel isolation. The device can be used in wavelength-division multiplexing networks.

Abstract: The problem of Lamb wave propagation in an axially multilayered waveguide is treated by a multimodal approach. A general formalism is proposed that avoids the numerical divergence due to evanescent...