New Features
Shared Features
Import HDF5 files
HDF5 is an open binary file format for storing and managing large, complex datasets. The file format was developed by the HDF Group, and is widely used in scientific computing. In the 2015b release, Lumerical has added the capability to read data from HDF5 files in its FDTD, MODE, and DEVICE solvers. Using script commands, the users will be able to read data from a wide range of HDF5 files.
New script commands
h5info, h5read, h5readattr
Dataset builder
A new wizard has been added to the interface of FDTD, MODE, and DEVICE solvers in the 2015b release that will assist the users in creating structures and doping regions (in DEVICE) using finite-element (FEM) data. The dataset builder will read the FEM data imported to the script workspace by the user and will guide the user through steps in order to create custom structures based on the imported data.
FDTD Solutions 8.12 and MODE Solutions 7.6
Graphene model (All optical solvers)
A new material model for graphene using its surface conductivity is introduced in MODE Solutions or FDTD Solutions. The surface conductivity approach is typically much more efficient than the volumetric permittivity approach we had. A new 2D rectangle object is also added for this purpose.
INTERCONNECT 5.0
Traveling Wave Laser
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The new INTERCONNECT traveling wave laser element self-consistently incorporates the effects of external feedback and resonances, allowing it to be used in the design of hybrid III-V Si-SiO2 laser chips as well as integrated lasers driving PICs. An individual laser element can simulate Fabry-Perot lasers, and in combination with external elements new devices can be simulated, such as external cavity and multi-section lasers.
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The laser model propagates the complex slowly-varying amplitudes of forward and backward traveling optical modes through the gain medium in the time domain on 1D grid in the longitudinal direction. The transverse properties of each mode are characterized by scalar quantities such as effective and group index, and mode confinement to the gain region which can be accurately pre-calculated with an Eigen mode solver. Frequency and local carrier dependent gain and stochastic spontaneous emission are included using digital filtering, and carrier concentrations are updated based on optical gain, spontaneous emission, and non-radiative recombination rates.
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For detailed properties of the TW Laser model, please see TW Laser.
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Please see the Fabry-Perot Laser, DBR Laser and Ring Vernier Laser application example pages for this TW laser model.
Traveling Wave Waveguide Bragg Grating
In order to improve large scale photonic integrated circuit design, the INTERCONNECT Waveguide Bragg Grating primitive element model was extended to support full dynamic behavior. The new compact model now allows for static or full time-dependent analysis of waveguide gratings, enabling fast and accurate simulation of integrated circuits such as external cavity lasers.
Compact Model Library Development and Distribution
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Two new licensed features enable the secured generation and use of customized compact model libraries (CML). These features can be used to generate calibrated CMLs distributed with foundry PDKs or to efficiently protect and distribute internally developed custom element libraries among various design groups or customers.
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With the CML publisher, a designer can define and package a library of compact model elements for distribution or inclusion in a PDK package. Critical proprietary data such as hierarchical circuit definitions of compact model elements, performance data and process parameters can be obfuscated upon packaging and are accessible only with an associated CML reader license
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A CML reader license allows designers to open use a packaged CML published using INTERCONNECT. All required compact model elements are extracted in the design kit folder and can be used to design, simulate and optimize photonic integrated circuits while obfuscating underlying proprietary data used to define the models.
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For more information, please see Custom Library & Design Kit.
Improved Simulation and Design Environment
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The custom folder in the element library now includes the option to package or publish a CML. The publishing feature supports the obfuscation of compact model elements and measurement data.
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The design kit folder now supports direct installation and setup of CML packages
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The schematic editor was extended to support adding elements to a circuit by reference.
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The new options dialog box enables you to configure the integrated development environment to your needs
Extended Element Library
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New Sine Bend element provides direct entry of length and height parameters, automatically calculating the waveguide arc length.
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Reference Element allows for creating circuits that reference existing compact model elements. If a referenced calibrated compact model is updated, all the circuit elements that refer to the model are also updated.
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The new Traveling Wave Laser element can be used in the design of hybrid III-V Si-SiO2 laser chips as well as integrated lasers driving PICs.
Enhanced Element Library
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Compound Element: new parameter allows for automatic loading of lookup tables with foundry parameters facilitating the process of developing compact models.
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The MODE waveguide element can now store the propagation properties from a file generated by MODE Solutions, not requiring the file to be available at run time.
New elements
Traveling Wave Laser, Waveguide Sine Bend
New and Enhanced Script Commands
exportimage, mcfit, importschematic, exportschematic, loaddesignkit, reloaddesignkit, removedesignkit,packagedesignkit 1, installdesignkit