Title :
General matrix theory of self-imaging in multimode interference (MMI) couplers
Author :
Heaton, John M. ; Jenkins, R. Michael
Author_Institution :
Defence Evaluation & Res. Agency, Malvern, UK
Abstract :
We present a simple and very general matrix method for predicting the properties of integrated optical multimode interference (MMI) couplers with single-mode input and output guides. We derive a set of N/spl times/N matrices which (in the paraxial limit) can be used to predict the complex mode amplitudes in the output guides from the complex mode amplitudes in the input guides for any type of MMI coupler, splitter or recombiner. We compare this theory with experiment for an 11/spl times/11 nonuniform coupler.
Keywords :
integrated optics; light interference; matrix algebra; optical beam splitters; optical directional couplers; optical waveguide theory; 11/spl times/11 nonuniform coupler; MMI coupler; N/spl times/N matrices; complex mode amplitudes; general matrix theory; integrated optical multimode interference couplers; multimode interference couplers; optical beam recombiner; optical beam splitter; output guides; paraxial limit; self-imaging; single-mode input guides; Couplers; Integrated optics; Interference; Optical devices; Optical refraction; Optical variables control; Optical waveguide components; Optical waveguide theory; Optical waveguides; Transmission line matrix methods;
Journal_Title :
Photonics Technology Letters, IEEE
