This report gives the results of an investigation to analytically determine the effect of a plane dielectric interface upon the radiation loss of a curved channel dielectric waveguide embedded in a dense substrate and bent in a plane parallel to that of the material interface. The radiation loss from bent dielectric waveguides is of interest for a variety of potential applications in integrated optics. Knowledge of the factors influencing the radiation from bend dielectric waveguides will allow the design of integrated optical component characteristics which, in one application, may result in decreased radiation to conserve signal energy or which, in another application, may achieve enhanced radiation effects in order to optimize the coupling between various optical waveguides. An obvious example for which the conservation of signal energy is of prime concern is the dielectric fiber transmission line used in simple point-to-point data transfer applications. (Author).

The analysis of semiconductor rib waveguides has, until now, relied upon very large finite difference or finite element calculations, sometimes using array processors. Here is a comprehensive introduction to the new spectral index method--a fast, accurate, reliable and stable method for finding waveguide propagation constants using Fourier methods. Shows researchers and professionals the field specific state-of-the-art problem-solving methods as well as wider applications in the many similar circumstances where both reliability and accuracy are considered mandatory.