About coupled-mode theories for dielectric waveguides

A critical examination is made of recent works on coupled-mode theory for dielectric waveguides with strongly overlapping fields. It is shown that there is no best formulation. In each case, explicit or implicit approximations lead to errors that are difficult to estimate. An investigation is made of the accuracy of coupled-mode formulas, in the case of strong guidance, for TM waves along coupled slabs or for HE11 modes along circular rods. Contrary to a previous prediction, there is no breakdown of coupled-mode formulas when the guidance is increased. The coupled-mode equations are applied to the problem of nonparallel waveguides in optical directional couplers. Comparison between coupled-mode predictions and beam-propagation-method simulations shows that bending effects in converging and diverging sections affect the accuracy. An improved coupled-mode theory is proposed in order to take these effects into account