Contribution to the modeling of coupled resonator optical waveguides in photonic crystals

In this dissertation, coupled resonator optical waveguides are analyzed and a new analytical model to study their spectral properties is developed. Coupled mode theory and plane wave expansion are employed in order to study the spectral properties of CROWs and a new semi-analytical model is derived. This semi-analytical model is used for the derivation of an analytical solution for the device’s resonant frequencies. The model not only provides a useful tool in the design of CROW based devices but also presents a useful physical insight for the device under investigation. The semi-analytical model is also used in several types of coupled cavity devices, as is a SCISSOR, and is compared with other methods, such as FDTD, in order to test the validity and accuracy of the results. All approximations and assumptions that lead to a simplification of the model are being discussed. Furthermore the relation between fabrication imperfections and the performance of photonic crystal CROWs is examined based on our semi-analytical model. A statistical study of such imperfections is enabled owing to the calculation of the coupling coefficients derivatives. The model is used to study the spectral influence of imperfections of different strengths and types on various coupled cavity devices.