Numerical performance evaluation of CdTe-on-Y2O3 hybrid optical waveguide for photonic integrated circuits

Abstract This work presents the design and numerical analysis of a CdTe hybrid optical waveguide aimed at advancing photonic integrated circuits (PICs). The proposed structure employs a CdTe core with an Al 2 O 3 cladding and a Y 2 O 3 substrate, modelled using COMSOL Multiphysics. Key performance metrics—including effective mode index (EMI), power confinement factor (PCF), and propagation loss—are evaluated for both TE and TM modes under varying wavelength and structural conditions. At the telecom wavelength of 1.55 μm, the waveguide achieves strong confinement with PCFs exceeding 96% and low propagation losses, highlighting its efficiency in optical transmission. The study further explores the influence of core dimensions, cladding parameters, and bending radius on waveguide performance, demonstrating that CdTe’s wide bandgap, high electro-optic coefficient, and direct bandgap nature make it a superior alternative to conventional silicon-based waveguides. The results indicate that CdTe hybrid waveguides offer excellent confinement, reduced loss, and cost-effectiveness, positioning them as a promising platform for next-generation PIC applications.