A novel photonic crystal-based waveguide modulator

Using a beam propagation method, we propose a novel type of optical modulator, one which utilizes a photonic bandgap, structure. The device has a transverse, discontinuous index profile with transverse bandgaps. The modulator resembles a conventional Mach-Zehnder polymer-based device; however, its physical principles and operational characteristics are intrinsically different. The advantages of a specific layer arrangement within a waveguide are discussed in detail. We show that the conceptual device has low optical loss and a miniature size and that it is robust to structural variations. The coupling efficiency, material selection, and output characteristics are also discussed in the context of potential applications and experiments.