A finite-difference time-domain method for the design and analysisof guided-wave optical structures

A CAD tool employing the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) algorithm is developed for the design and analysis of optical waveguide structures. The basic formulation of the algorithm is given, and practical conditions for its application are briefly outlined. The accuracy of the numerical scheme is investigated through a study of a canonical parallel-slabs coupling structure. Both the coupling length and the field distribution are in good agreement with results in the literature. The use of the method is illustrated by an analysis of a directional coupler