Three-dimensional numerical modeling of photonic integration with dielectric-loaded SPP waveguides

Using full three-dimensional numerical modeling, we demonstrate highly efficient passive and active photonic circuit elements based on dielectric-loaded surface plasmon polariton waveguides (DLSPPWs). Highly confined surface plasmon polariton (SPP) mode having subwavelength cross section allows high level of integration of DLSPPW circuitry. We demonstrate very efficient guiding and routing of SPP signals with the passive waveguide elements such as bends, splitters, and Bragg reflectors, having a functional size of just a few microns at telecommunication wavelengths. Introducing a gain in the dielectric, we have found the requirement for lossless waveguiding and estimated the performance of DLSPPW lossless and active elements. DLSPPW based components have prospective implementation in photonic integrated chips, hybrid optical-electronic circuits, and lab-on-a-chip applications.