Four-layer metal-clad thin film optical waveguides

An investigation of the low order modes supported by an asymmetrical four-layered metal-clad optical waveguide is presented showing the attenuation characteristics and the field profiles. The attenuation and phase constants are examined as functions of both the thickness and refractive index of the buffer layer as well as the mode order. The results for small and large buffer layer thicknesses are discussed in terms of the modes supported by simpler asymmetrical three-layered metal-clad and dielectric-clad waveguides respectively. It is shown that the coupling of the TM polarized modes to the lossy surface plasma wave depends upon the buffer layer thickness, the refractive indices of the buffer layer and dielectric cladding and the mode order. This coupling is very dependent upon the mode order with the TM₀ mode exhibiting far weaker coupling than the higher order TM modes. Methods of controlling the amount of coupling and hence the attenuation of the TM modes are discussed.This work was performed while the author was with the Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia, 4067.