A comparison of eigenmode and Fourier modal algorithms for simulation of 3D photonic nanostructures

摘要

Two independent implementations of frequency-domain modal methods for the modeling of three-dimensional (3D) photonic structures are compared, namely 3D bidirectional eigenmode expansion and propagation algorithm (BEP) and aperiodic rigorous coupled wave analysis (aRCWA). Whereas in the BEP case, the eigenmodes, are searched numerically using a full vector finite-difference (or finite-element) modesolver, both modesolver and propagation schemes rely on the combined aRCWA algorithm. Based on such comparison of these techniques, their practical applicability is discussed.