Modeling bending losses of optical nanofibers or nanowires

Bending losses of nanofibers or nanowires with circular 90 degrees bends are simulated using a three-dimensional finite-difference time-domain (3D-FDTD) method. Dependences of bending losses on wavelength and polarization of guided light are investigated, as well as the diameters, refractive indices, and bending radii of nanowires. The acceptable bending losses (similar to 1 dB/90 degrees) predicted in glass, polymer, and semiconductor nanowires with bending radii down to micrometer level may offer valuable references for assembling highly compact photonic integrated circuits or devices with optical nanowires. (C) 2009 Optical Society of America