Directional Waveguide Coupler Design in Ansys Lumerical Software
This lab exercise focuses on the design and simulation of a directional waveguide coupler using Ansys Lumerical MODE™, optical waveguide design tool. The exercise introduces the principles of evanescent coupling between parallel waveguides and the relationship between mode indices, coupling length, and power transfer. Using the FDE eigenmode solver, you will calculate the effective indices of the coupled modes, estimate the coupling length for complete and partial power transfer, and visualize mode interaction along the device. Parameter sweeps explore how coupling length depends on waveguide gap, width, and operating wavelength, enabling you to compare simulated values with analytical predictions. Developed at the University of California San Diego for the ECE 184, Optical Information Processing and Holography, course, the resource integrates theoretical background, analytical formulas, and simulation procedures to investigate guided-wave coupling behavior.
Learning Outcomes
- Calculate coupling length from mode indices for complete and partial power transfer.
- Simulate evanescent coupling and visualize mode interaction between parallel waveguides.
- Analyze how gap, width, and wavelength affect coupling length.
Downloadable Content
- Exercise PDF
- One Lumerical MODE project file: Waveguide_couplers
- One script file: Waveguide_couplers
Related Resource(s)
- Waveguides with Ansys Lumerical | Education Resources
- MZ Interferometer with Ansys Lumerical | Education Resource
- Ring Resonator Design with Ansys Lumerical | Education Resource
Applicable Courses for Use
- Optical Information Processing and Holography
