FIMMPROP

FIMMPROP 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 adative 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

Click the links on the left for more Features information.