Optical waveguide structures
US6442321B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 31, 2000 |
| Grant date | Aug 27, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 1, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/122
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The purely bound electromagnetic modes of propagation supported by symmetric waveguide structures comprised of a thin lossy metal film of finite width embedded in an infinite homogeneous dielectric have been characterized at optical wavelengths. The modes supported are divided into four families depending on the symmetry of their fields. In addition to the four fundamental modes that exist, numerous higher order ones are supported as well. A nomenclature suitable for identifying all modes is discussed. The dispersion of the modes with film thickness and width has been assessed and the effects of varying the background permittivity on the characteristics of the modes determined. The frequency dependency of one of the modes has been investigated. The higher order modes have a cut-off width, below which they are no longer propagated and some of the modes have a cut-off thickness.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.