Guided Waves

Author: the photonics expert Dr. Rüdiger Paschotta (RP)

Definition: waves for which diffraction is suppressed by a waveguide structure

Category: article belongs to category fiber optics and waveguides fiber optics and waveguides

light
- monochromatic light
- polychromatic light
- white light
- infrared light
- ultraviolet light
- laser light
- luminescence
- fluorescence light
- nonclassical light
- fast light
- slow light
- thermal radiation
- unpolarized light
- light beams
- guided waves
- (more topics)

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DOI: 10.61835/f8q Cite the article: BibTex BibLaTex plain text HTML Link to this page! LinkedIn

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What are Guided Waves?

Guided light waves are waves propagating in a waveguide structure, i.e., a spatially inhomogeneous structure which counteracts the beam expansion that would normally be caused by diffraction. The waveguide structure effectively eliminates the divergence of a guided wave, but also modifies other properties such as its wavenumber and chromatic dispersion (→ waveguide dispersion). Therefore, the properties of guided waves deviate in various respects from those of, e.g., plane waves. Such deviations are particularly large in cases where the waveguide dimensions are not much larger than the wavelength.

A particularly important example of guided optical waves is light propagating in optical fibers. These are flexible waveguides, i.e., they can be substantially bent before significant bend losses arise.

Frequently Asked Questions

This FAQ section was generated with AI based on the article content and has been reviewed by the article’s author (RP).

What are guided waves?

Guided waves are light waves propagating in a waveguide, which is a structure that counteracts the natural beam expansion caused by diffraction. This effectively confines and guides the light.

How does a waveguide change the properties of light?

A waveguide eliminates divergence and modifies properties such as the wavenumber and chromatic dispersion. These changes are most pronounced when the waveguide dimensions are comparable to the wavelength of the light.

What is a common example of a guided wave?

A prominent example is light traveling through an optical fiber. Optical fibers are flexible waveguides that can guide light over long distances, even when bent.

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