The Effective Index Method Applied On Optical Rib Waveguide

Abstract

The unprecedented advancement of optical telecommunications and integrated optics relies critically on optical rib waveguides as foundational enabling structures This study presents a comprehensive theoretical analysis of rib waveguides using the Effective Index Method (EIM). We systematically quantify the influence of structural parameters (rib width W, height H, slab thickness) and refractive index contrast on modal characteristics, including propagation constants (β), confinement factors (Γ), and single-mode operation thresholds. While EIM proves efficient for rapid integrated photonic circuit design, its fidelity diminishes for subwavelength structures, nanostructures, or waveguides with significant sidewall roughness and radiation losses. This work establishes quantitative guidelines for optimizing light confinement and polarization resilience, extending toward quantum photonic applications and topological waveguides.