Propagation characteristics of planar segmented waveguides with parabolic index segments

Abstract

We have analyzed the linear propagation characteristics of planar periodic segmented waveguides with infinitely extended parabolic refractive-index segments in the transverse direction, using the matrix formulation of Gaussian beam propagation. Modal propagation and the variation of effective index as a function of duty cycle and the period of segmentation have been studied. Conditions for the existence of guided modes in such a segmented waveguide are presented.