Finite‐element analysis of planar anisotropic inhomogeneous optical waveguides

Diffused optical waveguides are of considerable interest for the construction of optical integrated circuits. Generally, it is difficult to analyze inhomogeneous waveguides, such as diffused waveguides, because their refractive indices change continuously. Further, it is complicated and difficult to analyze anisotropic inhomogeneous lossy optical waveguides. This paper describes the finite‐element method for the analysis of planar anisotropic inhomogeneous lossy optical waveguides. The validity of the method is confirmed by comparing numerical results of planar isotropic inhomogeneous optical waveguides with exact results. The numerical results of metal‐clad planar anisotropic inhomogeneous optical waveguides are also presented and the effects of metal claddings on the propagation characteristics for the surface waves and the leaky surface waves are examined.