Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

An optical waveguide structure according to the invention comprises a core layer having a first refractive index ncore, an array of sub-regions within the core having a second refractive index nrods, the array of sub-regions giving rise to a photonic band structure within the core layer, and a cladding layer adjacent to the core layer having a refractive index ncladding, wherein: ncore>nrods[[∃]]≧ncladding and ncore-nrods>0.1. The structure of the present invention is less lossy than prior waveguide structures having photonic band structure regions. The out of plane divergence of light in the sub-regions is reduced as compared with air holes which are typically used in photonic crystal structures. As a result more light is coupled back into the core at the sub-region/core interface. Coupling of light into the buffer layer is also reduced. Furthermore, there are added advantages over the prior art associated with the fabrication of these structures.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim