Analysis and design of an endlessly single-mode finned dielectric waveguide

We report what is to our knowledge a novel dielectric waveguiding structure consisting of periodic arrays of parallel planar fins placed on both sides of and perpendicular to a central planar core. This structure is analyzed, and the behavior of its bound modes is investigated. This finned guide exhibits many of the same features as a recently reported all-silica photonic crystal fiber. For example, it can be designed to support only the fundamental transverse bound mode over the entire electromagnetic frequency spectrum. This new class of endlessly single-mode waveguide may prove to have important applications in many areas of optoelectronics.