Computing Eigen value equation and modal dispersion characteristics of an elliptical Bragg waveguide

Using the method of separation of variables in the elliptical coordinate system, a recursive formula for the electromagnetic fields in a new type of Bragg waveguide having elliptical core cross section with multilayered cladding is derived. The eigen equation is written in the form of Mathieu and the modified Mathieu functions and a dispersion relation is obtained for various modes supported by the proposed Bragg waveguide. The cutoff frequencies for several lower order even-odd modes have been calculated and their propagation characteristics are plotted. The results show that the dispersion curves are discontinuous and modes can exist only in particular wavelength bands. The effects of elliptical eccentricity on the mode cutoff values and mode transmission are addressed. Finally, the modal birefringence in the said waveguide is also estimated.