Propagation of normal modes in multilayer optical waveguides I. Component fields and dispersion characteristics

An analysis is made of the waveguide characteristics of six types of layered dielectric waveguide of circular transverse cross section intended for the optical range. Rigorous and approximate expressions are obtained for the field components. A detailed investigation is made of the characteristic equation, conditions for critical regimes are determined, and dispersion characteristics of normal modes in such waveguides are found. It is shown that it is possible to fabricate single-mode waveguides with large apertures, good dispersion characteristics, and relatively large transverse dimensions, as well as multimode waveguides characterized by low distortion of the transmitted signals.