Next Generation Simulation Tools For Optoelectronic Design

Principal Investigator: Professor T M Benson

Other Investigators: Dr P D Sewell


Project Partner: Bookham Technology Plc

Starts: 19 February 2001
Ends: 18 February 2004

Value: £140,934

The proposed work addresses the development of novel algorithms for describing propagation in optical waveguides, amplifiers and lasers and systems derived from these components. It is motivated by the pressure from industry to design tomorrow's components to an accuracy far beyond that provided by today's software, calling for innovation, good numerical analysis and efficient computer implementation. Beyond significantly enhancing Beam propagation and modal analysis algorithms, an important objective is to make significant progress towards the next generation of solvers based upon a direct numerical solution of the vector Helmholtz equation, i.e. without invoking the approximations and simplifications presently required. We will exploit our in depth experience of all aspects of practical optoelectronic simulation, with the considerable and memory advantages offered by i) our finite difference methods implemented in structure related co-ordinate systems and ii) improved numerical analysis, in order to capitalise on the continuing advances in computing power and the new codes will be applied to immediate industrial design problems throughout the project.