MT-FIMMPROP
A revolution in Photonic Integrated Circuit Modeling EME. Cutting-edge software that uses the EME method (Eigenmode Expension) to simulate propagation calculations of large-scale photonic integrated circuits.
Multi-Topology (MT) FIMMPROP is a new innovative design environment from Photon Design. Combining the roles of layout and simulation, MT-FIMMPROP does away with the frustrating need to shuttle between two design environments when designing PICs.
Applications:
- MZI (Mach-Zehnder Interferometer)
- Large ring resonator
- Optical performance evaluation of the entire PIC
- Component design
- Layout design
- Device simulation
Photonics component modeling, circuit simulation, & layout/mask generation in one software!
- Flexible layout editor
- Equipped with a scanner interface that allows you to easily scan design parameters
- Complete PIC simulation with actual design layout
- GDSⅡ data export
Main Features of MT-FIMMPROP
Unified Design Environment
- Combines layout and simulation in a single platform, eliminating the need for separate tools.
- Streamlines workflows and reduces the learning curve for designers.
Flexible Layout Editor
- Allows the construction of arbitrary photonic circuits using masks and lithographic processes.
- Facilitates easy modifications and optimizations directly in the layout view.
Computational Efficiency
- Includes computational regions that simulate only the necessary parts of the photonic circuit.
- Minimizes required modes in each region for faster and more efficient simulations.
Market-leading EME Engine
- Utilizes the Eigenmode Expansion Method for accurate and rigorous solutions to Maxwell’s equations.
- Supports fully vectorial mode solvers for precise modeling.
- Bi-directional simulations account for internal reflections and wide-angle capacities.
Advanced Simulation Capabilities
- Supports full Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) simulations, including cross-talk effects.
- Built-in field visualization for observing device or port field profiles directly in the layout.
- Includes a scanner interface for parameter sweeps across multiple design variables.
Ready for Manufacturing
- One-click export to GDSII format for mask manufacturing.
- Ensures seamless transition from design to fabrication.
Extensive Scripting Support
- Provides a command-line interface compatible with Python and MATLAB.
- Enables custom automation and advanced parameter optimization.
Reusability of Components
- Features s-matrix reuse for repeated components like couplers, enhancing design efficiency.
Future-Ready Extensions
- Upcoming support for additional physical effects such as heating, wafer stresses, and wafer-scale variations coupled with optical simulations.
Application-Specific Advantages
- Optimized for devices like large ring resonators, Mach-Zehnder Interferometers, and cascaded interleavers.
- Demonstrates significant time savings and enhanced accuracy in complex designs.
Modeling a long arm Mach-Zehnder Interferometer
Long-arm Mach-Zehnder Interferometers (MZIs) are an example of the type of structures that can now be modeled efficiently and accurately using MT-FIMMPROP.
MT-FIMMPROP is used to model an interleaver design proposed by Cherchi et al. that is based on cascaded MZIs and multimode interferometers (MMIs) as power splitters.
Using the built-in scanner, we can obtain the response of the device shown to the right. The results show that the design has a flat-top response, improving on the sinusoidal response of a simple MZI design.
Watch the video to explore the MT-FIMMPROP simulation of a long arm Mach-Zehnder Interferometer using MMIs
Modeling a large ring resonator
Large ring resonators are a good example where it is significantlymore efficient to use a simulation technique that defines computational regionsthat conform to the waveguides in the device.
The double ring resonator example shown in this picture(radius: 30um) is modeled using only the red hashed computational regions. Therefore,we avoid having to unnecessarily include the large areas in the center of therings in the computation.
An added advantage is that using computational regions that conform to the waveguides means that the number of modes required in each computational region is minimised.
Furthermore, this simulation also takes advantage of MT-FIMMPROP’s ability to re-use s-matrices of repeated components to improve efficiency. The bus-ring coupling region only has to be calculated once.
Scanning over the wavelength using the built-in scanner interface, we can look at the transmission from the port at the top left of the device to the port at the bottom left and the coupling from the port at the top left to the port at the bottom right.
This picture shows the plot of the Hy field through the whole device at 1.55262um wavelength when injecting mode 1 into the port at the top left.
Why MT-FIMMPROP?
Flexible Layout Editor
Construct complex photonic circuits with ease using mask and lithographic processes.
Optimized Computational Regions
Simulate only what matters, improving efficiency and calculation speed.
Market-Leading EME Engine
Analyze the optical performance of your PICs rigorously and accurately.
Unified Design Space
No more swapping back and forth between layout and schematic environments — it's all here.
Streamlined GDSII Export
One-click export to GDSII simplifies mask manufacturing.
Customizable and Extensible
Python and MATLAB scripting support, plus future-ready features like wafer stress analysis.
Discover how this software can transform your workflow—schedule a personalized demo with our experts today!
MT-FIMMPROP Examples
Long-Arm Mach-Zehnder Interferometer (MZI)
MT-FIMMPROP is used to model an interleaver design proposed by Cherchi et al. based on cascaded MZIs and multimode interferometers (MMIs) as power splitters.
M. Cherchi et al,
Flat-top interleavers based on single MMIs, (2020)
Cascaded MMIs / Optical Phased Arrays
It is probably the dream of any amateur astronomer to be able to be the boss of one of the great multi million dollar telescopes even if it was just for one hour or for a few shots. Sure, we can have a lot of fun with our binoculars.
Cascaded MZI Wavelength Filters
MT-FIMMPROP is used to model cascaded Mach-Zehnder wavelength filters. Suitable for application as WDM demultiplexers.
Delay Lines
MT-FIMMPROP is used to model delay lines constructed using constant bend and straight sections. This example has a physical path length of ~11 cm and yet simulates in <10s. MT-FIMMPROP is the first way to visualize field profiles of delay lines of this scale in a viable amount of time.
Download the MT-FIMMPROP PDF
