Three-Dimensional Finite-Difference Time-Domain Simulation of Facet Reflection Through Parallel Computing

Precise evaluation of facet reflection is highly desirable in the design and simulation of optoelectronic devices such as super-luminescent light emitting diodes (SLEDs) and semiconductor optical amplifiers (SOAs). In this study, the Three-Dimensional (3D) Finite-Difference Time-Domain (FDTD) method was implemented on a parallel computing algorithm for the calculation of facet reflection in optical waveguides. The FDTD provides the versatility necessary for simulating devices with a complex structure. The parallelization of the algorithm eliminates the limit on the size of the structure, which is usually associated with the FDTD method. 3D FDTD has been used to show that even a subtle difference in the waveguide ridge shape has significant impact on modal reflectivity.