Modeling bending losses of optical nanofibers or nanowires

Abstract

Bending losses of nanofibers or nanowires with circular 90 degrees bends are simulated using a three-dimensional finite-difference time-domain (3D-FDTD) method. Dependences of bending losses on wavelength and polarization of guided light are investigated, as well as the diameters, refractive indices, and bending radii of nanowires. The acceptable bending losses (approximately 1 dB/90 degrees) predicted in glass, polymer, and semiconductor nanowires with bending radii down to micrometer level may offer valuable references for assembling highly compact photonic integrated circuits or devices with optical nanowires.