Modelling of finite-size grating waveguide filters on the basis of a free-space diffraction approach

The field reflection coefficient R of a high strength and short length waveguide grating section is obtained by resorting to a free-space diffraction approach whereby the waveguide grating is excited by means of a virtual high index prism. The effective index of the guided mode, the coupling coefficient between contradirectionally propagating modes of the grating waveguide as well as the modal field are first obtained in the case of an infinite grating by interpreting the results given by an exact diffraction solution by means of a three-wave coupled mode formalism. These results are then introduced in the coupled wave analysis of the structure of finite extent to provide the field at the entrance of the waveguide grating section where the usual overlap integral with the incident field delivers the reflection coefficient. We neglect only the result of radiation mode propagation. This assumption can be made when the grating section is longer than the propagating length of all the leaky modes.