Finite-difference time-domain simulations of linear integrated photonic devices

Summary form only given. The authors discuss the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method in integrated optics design. With this versatile technique one is able to predict the broadband behavior of geometrically complex optical interconnects. The ability to accurately treat coherent effects, reflections, and wide spectral variations in material properties has made the study of grating-based devices and other complex structures a comparatively straightforward task. It is found that the FDTD method gives designers insight only revealed by complete vector electromagnetic fields. Combining the FDTD algorithm with graphical preprocessing and postprocessing tools can lend new insight into simple problems, such as couplers and gratings, and provide valuable information on the operation of proposed hardware.<>