Abstract

We have developed a theoretical approach, more rigorous than the two-mode dispersion approach currently used, to describe the interaction between single-mode intersecting optical waveguides.¹ Each waveguide is considered to be an extended scattering element for the light in the other guide. Unlike parallel waveguide geometries, the coupling between guided and radiation modes (as well as guided-guide mode coupling) must also be considered. Also in contrast to parallel waveguides, the initial and final optical states (i.e., z = ± ∞) are unambiguously defined for direct comparison to experiment.

© 1988 Optical Society of America