A finite difference mode solver for active optical waveguides

Highly efficient active Integrated Optical waveguides are currently deeply investigated both theoretically and experimentally in view of their optimal design and characterization. A Finite Difference approach based on the Alternate Direction Implicit technique to calculate the propagation constant and the transversal components of the modes in optical waveguides with complex refractive index is presented. Preliminary results of experimental characterization of such waveguides are reported as well.