Ultracompact Polarization-Insensitive Directional Coupler based on Double Sandwiched Rib-Type Waveguide

The polarization characteristics of ultracompact polarization-insensitive directional coupler (PIDC) based on double sandwiched rib-type waveguide are explored in detail by using longitudinal modal transmission-line theory (L-MTLT). To obtain the polarization-insensitive condition of ultracompact directional coupler, the coupling length and coupling efficiency as functions of the refractive index and thickness of sandwiched rib-type waveguide are analyzed for quasi-TE and quasi-TM modes. The numerical results show that the ultracompact polarization-insensitive coupler with hundreds of micrometer scales is realized by properly choosing structural and material parameters of double sandwiched layers. Furthermore, the influence of fundamental mode profile, which is distributed in lateral waveguide of coupler, on the coupler performance has been investigated.