AWG-Parameters: new software tool to design arrayed waveguide gratings

摘要

A new software tool and its application in the design of optical multiplexers/demultiplexers based on arrayed waveguide gratings is presented. The motivation for this work is the fact that when designing arrayed waveguide gratings a set of geometrical parameters must be first calculated. These parameters are the input for AWG layout that will be created and simulated using commercial photonic design tools. It is important to point out that these parameters influence strongly correct AWG demultiplexing properties and therefore have to be calculated very carefully. However, most of the commercial photonic design tools do not support this fundamental calculation. To be able to design any AWG, with any software tool and particularly to save the time needed for AWG design a new software tool was developed. The tool was already applied in various AWG designs and also technologically well-proven.