Using the Finite Difference Time Domain Method as a Design Tool,

Abstract

The finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method has been shown in the last several years to be applicable to guided-wave photonics problems. The application of the method to diffraction gratings, intersecting and bending waveguides and Bragg mirrors has served to demonstrate that method can solve a set of problems not tractable for more traditional techniques such as the beam propagation method. Although these papers have served to demonstrate the applicability of the FDTD technique, few papers have described the use of the FDTD analysis in a design environment. This paper will describe the use of the FDTD method in two design problems and show how specific engineering questions can be answered with the simulation technique. The first problem, a distributed feedback reflector for a graded index wave-guide laser, will demonstrate the ability of FDTD to model complex structures whose analysis would otherwise be virtually intractable. The second example, a multi-layer Bragg wave guide design, will show how the FDTD technique can be used to complement and extend other analysis methods.

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 01, 1992
Accession Number
ADP008088

Entities

People

  • Raymond J. Hawkins
  • Robert R. Mcleod

Organizations

  • University of Colorado Boulder

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Diffraction
  • Engineering
  • Environment
  • Feedback
  • Finite Difference Time Domain
  • Gratings (Spectra)
  • Photonics
  • Production Engineering
  • Reflectors
  • Simulations
  • Time Domain
  • Waveguides

Fields of Study

  • Computer science
  • Physics

Readers

  • Astronomy/Astrophysics
  • Optical Physics and Photonics.
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy