Generalized coupled-mode formalism in reciprocal waveguides with gain, loss, anisotropy, or bianisotropy

In anisotropic or bianisotropic waveguides, the standard coupled-mode theory fails due to the broken link between the forward- and backward-propagating modes, which together form the dual mode sets that are crucial in constructing coupled mode equations. We generalize the coupled-mode theory by treating the forward- and backward-propagating modes on the same footing via a generalized eigenvalue problem that is exactly equivalent to the waveguide Hamiltonian. The generalized eigenvalue problem is fully characterized by two operators, i.e., ((L) over bar, (B) over bar), wherein (L) over bar is a self-adjoint differential operator, while (B) over bar is a constant antisymmetric operator. From the properties of (L) over bar and (B) over bar, we establish the relation between the dual mode sets that are essential in constructing coupled-mode equations in terms of forward- and backward-propagating modes. By perturbation, the generalized coupled-mode equation can be derived in a natural way. Our generalized coupled-mode formalism (GCMF) can be used to study the mode coupling in waveguides that may contain gain, loss, anisotropy, or bianisotropy. We further illustrate how the generalized coupled theory can be used to study the modal coupling in anisotropy and bianisotropy waveguides through a few concrete examples.