title: Sharp bends with low losses in dielectric optical waveguides.
abstract: A new method is proposed for making sharp bends with low radiation losses in dielectric optical waveguides. By modifying the transverse refractive-index profile at curved sections both the pure bend and the transition losses can be minimized. The optimum gradient-index profile requires an inhomogeneous medium. But in practice this can be replaced by a layered medium. By using four homogeneous layers the permitted radius of curvature of a slab waveguide can be reduced, e.g., from 6400 to only 100 wavelengths.
authors.affiliation: University of Wuppertal, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Postfach 100127, D-5600 Wuppertal 1, Federal Republic of Germany.
authors.forename: E G
authors.initials: EG
authors.lastname: Neumann
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Richter