Features
Modelling capability
- Unique 2D and 3D EigenMode Expansion (EME) tool
- Rigorous Maxwell Equation solver for semi analytical, fully vectorial 3D propagation
- Includes a wide selection of fully vectorial mode solvers, relying a variety of well-established numerical and semi-analytical methods
- Wide and narrow angle
- High index contrast capability - ideal for silicon photonics
- Bidirectional algorithm models all internal reflections
- Advanced adaptive taper algorithms for the modelling of tapered waveguides and arbitrary z-varying structures
- Choice of EME or RCMT (Rigorous Coupled Mode Theory) for efficient modelling of gratings and other periodic structures
- Bidirectional Plane-Wave Expansion algorithm for fast propagation through free-space regions
e.g. fibre ⇔ free-space gap ⇔ optical chip coupling - Facet coating (AR coating) capability:
- arbitrary number of layers of arbitrary refractive index
- accounts for the angle and divergence of the propagating beam
i.e. it does not assume a single plane-wave, unlike all usual facet coating simulators
- Built as part of our mode solver tool FIMMWAVE, FIMMPROP supports all of FIMMWAVE's features including the Thermo-Optic Solver, Electro-Optic Solver and Stress Solver
Performance and efficiency
- Native 64-bit application (32-bit version also available)
- Extensive support of multi-core and multi-CPU computers to speed up your simulations
- Fast design and simulation of MMI's, periodic structures, tapers and bends!
- Takes advantage of any symmetry or periodicity:
- cylindrical symmetry for fibers
- planar symmetry along x and y
- periodicity or mirror symmetry along z
- Much faster and more accurate than BPM for a wide range of devices
- More efficient than FDTD or FEM in many cases
- Flexible design paradigm and extensive component library
- Sophisticated field visualisation
Parameter scans, script automation and optimisation
- Scattering matrix approach offers fast design optimisation: FIMMPROP only recalculates what is needed when modifying the design
- Scanner interface for single-parameter scans
- Multi-parameter optimisation with Kallistos (optional module) - see example here
- Extensive command-line interface, support for scripting with Python and MATLAB
Export to circuit models and GDS-II
- Easy export of passive component model to our photonic circuit simulator PICWave
- Export of device layout to GDSII
Link to ray-tracing tools
- Calculate the coupling efficiency from your lens to your waveguide by importing beam profiles from FRED and Zemax into FIMMPROP
- Export FIMMPROP optical profiles back into FRED and Zemax