Fundamental transverse electric field (TE0) mode selection for thin-film asymmetric light guides

Abstract

TE0 mode selection was observed in an asymmetric dielectric light guide with a metal-film outer coating. TM0 mode and higher-order modes could not transmit through the guide, whereas the loss of the TE mode, the insertion loss, was small. The experimental data were in good agreement with the theoretical results given here. Filter action is explained by modal repulsion from the metal wall that is inherent in an asymmetric guide.