The first part of this work describes the uses of aperiodicstructures in optics and integrated optics. In particular, devicesare designed, fabricated, tested and analyzed which make use of achirped grating corrugation on the surface of a dielectric waveguide.These structures can be used as input-output couplers, multiplexersand demultiplexers, and broad band filters.
Next, a theoretical analysis is made of the effects of a randomstatistical variation in the thicknesses of layers in a dielectricmirror on its reflectivity properties. Unlike the intentionalaperiodicity introduced in the chirped gratings, the aperiodicity inthe Bragg reflector mirrors is unintentional and is present to someextent in all devices made. The analysis involved in studying theseproblems relies heavily on the coupled mode formalism. The resultsare compared with computer experiments, as well as tests of actualmirrors.
The second part of this work describes a novel method for confininglight in the transverse direction in an injection laser. Theseso-called transverse Bragg reflector lasers confine light normal tothe junction plane in the active region, through reflection from anadjacent layered medium. Thus, in principle, it is possible to guidelight in a dielectric layer whose index is lower than that of the surroundingmaterial. The design, theory and testing of these diodelasers are discussed.
