C2V released two new simulation modules to its planar waveguide design platform OlympIOs: A bi-directional eigenmode propagation module and a distributed computing module, in October 2002
Bi-directional eigenmode propagation (BEP) module: The BEP module is ideally suited to analysing waveguide structures that include large waveguide sections invariant in the propagation direction.
In addition, the module is well suited to calculating reflections that occur at various transitions in the planar waveguide circuit.
Therefore, BEP is often used in the simulation and design of resonating structures.
Perfectly matched layer (PML) boundaries for the calculation window ensure that the radiating field will not reflect back into the calculation window and interfere with simulation results.
The BEP module offers improved accuracy where in many cases traditional BPM methods are inherently inadequate.
For example, simulation of ring resonator structures demonstrates that the BEP module can easily deal with wide-angle propagation.
High refractive index contrast and metallic structures can also be simulated with a high degree of accuracy.
Whereas other simulation packages contain either a beam propagation method (BPM) or BEP simulation engine, OlympIOs is currently the only commercial platform that combines both.
This flexibility allows design engineers to isolate different device regions and simulate each region with the most appropriate method.
When performing vary-runs, the BEP module checks for redundant calculation parts and automatically re-uses previous results substantially reducing simulation time.
An example of the capabilities of the BEP is demonstrated in an application note, describing the simulation and design of a coupled cavity resonator.
Distributed computing module: Simulating complex planar waveguide structures can take a long time due to the amount of detail involved.
In many cases dependencies need to be modeled in fine steps.
In other cases advanced optimization schemes or multiple simulations for tolerance analysis may be required.
All such methods require a substantial amount of calculation time, which can be distributed over many machines instead of just one.
The distributed computing module allows a single client to automatically run a distributed simulation that is completely transparent to the end user, retrieving a single result set rather than combining many manually split-up calculations.
considerably increase the speed and the effectiveness of their analysis process.
