Performance of Planar, Rib, and Photonic Crystal Silicon Waveguides in Tailoring Group-Velocity Dispersion and Mode Loss

Nanophotonic technologies have attracted a lot of attention to co-develop optical and electronic devices on silicon (Si) that further miniaturize modern optical communication systems. Optical properties of these miniaturized devices are highly dependent on waveguide geometry and can be tailored for various applications with minor changes in cross-sectional areas. This paper investigates the performance of widely discussed planar, rib, and photonic crystal Si waveguides by manipulating the dimensions of Si core designed for single mode operation across the 1.2 to 1.6 μm telecommunication bands. Each of the waveguide is studied and compared for a set of properties, including effective refractive index, group index, group-velocity dispersion, and mode loss, with and without narrow bends, which can be instrumental in selecting the correct type and geometry of the waveguide required for any specific application.