Polarization-independent single-mode rib waveguides on silicon-on-insulator for telecommunication wavelengths

A theoretical analysis of the influence of geometrical parameters on the polarization sensitivity properties is reported for single-mode silicon-on-insulator rib waveguides. The Sol rib-waveguide dimensions (height, width and etching depth) leading simultaneously to single mode propagation and polarization independence have been calculated for waveguide heights ranging from 0.75 to 2 mum and for telecommunication wavelengths from 1.53 to 1.61 mum. The minimum etching depth is obtained for a nearly constant value of the ratio of the rib width over the waveguide height, within the considered height range, and is close to the rib width. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.