Analysis of single-mode optical rib waveguide in silicon carbide

Optical rib waveguide on a wide bandgap semiconductorsilicon carbide (SiC)in single-mode condition has been investigated. The effects of waveguide geometry including slab thickness and rib width and height on the waveguide performance were studied using effective index method. It was found that design can be optimized when the fundamental modes HE00 or EH00 propagate in the waveguide with very low loss, while the higher-order modes like HE10, HE20 or EH10, EH20 are cutoff. The correction factor which affects single-mode requirement was also examined with the values in both HE and EH modes proposed. The superior material properties of SiC, when combined with optimized design and performance, will lead to a promising waveguide device with great potential for applications such as optoelectronic IC. (c) 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.