Optical Device Simulation

Photonic and plasmonic devices open up new possibilities in many technology sectors, such as high-speed communications or medical sensors. Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) allow signal transmission and processing at incredible data rates in nanoscale devices. Novel materials such as graphene and metamaterials unlock new possibilities for previously unsolved problems.

Simulation of such devices accelerates design, reduces the risk and unlocks the full potential of this technology. Users can visualize the behavior of components and optimize their performance without the cost of experimenting with prototypes.

CST Studio Suite, an industry-leading high frequency electromagnetic simulation tool from SIMULIA, accurately and efficiently models the behavior of waves at optical frequencies. Import links to photonic device layout tools automatically create 3D simulation models, while the materials library includes optical frequency material models. Post-processing templates can calculate industry-standard measures. High-performance computing options allow the rapid simulation of complex detailed components many hundreds of wavelengths across.

Multiphysics simulation, linking photonic simulation to thermal, drift-diffusion, structural and fluid solvers, can calculate how devices heat up when in use and figure the risk of detuning from thermal expansion.

Example Applications

CST Studio Suite simulation technology enables engineers to design photonic components such as:

• Devices for photonic integrated circuits (PICs)
  • Waveguides
  • Grating couplers
  • Ring resonators
  • Splitters
  • Tapers
  • Modulators
• Metamaterials, filters and gratings
• Graphene devices
• Photonic crystals
• Nano-antennas
• Solar cells
• Lenses