ISO 11807-1:2021

Overview

ISO 11807-1:2021 - "Integrated optics - Vocabulary - Part 1: Optical waveguide basic terms and symbols" provides a unified, up-to-date vocabulary for integrated optical waveguides and related components. This second edition (2021) replaces the 2001 edition and harmonizes terminology with related IEC work. It defines core terms, coordinate conventions (Annex A), and the symbols and units used throughout Clause 3 (listed in Annex B). The scope targets planar integrated-optical devices used in fields such as optical communications and sensors.

Key Topics

The standard concentrates on basic, widely used concepts for integrated optics, including:

• Waveguide structures: definitions for waveguide, slab waveguide, strip/channel waveguide, core, cladding, substrate and superstrate.
• Modes and polarization: formal definitions of mode, guided mode, TE and TM modes, evanescent field, leaky mode, radiation mode, single-mode and multimode waveguides, cutoff and cutoff wavelength.
• Refractive index and profiles: refractive index profile, step and graded index profiles, relative refractive index difference, acceptance angle and numerical aperture (NA).
• Propagation parameters: effective refractive index (n_eff) and its dependence on waveguide geometry, refractive index distribution and wavelength.
• Loss and attenuation: terminology related to waveguide attenuation and radiative losses (clauses cover loss concepts; full definitions appear in Clause 3).
• Normative structure: references to related parts and standards (ISO 11807-2, ISO 14881) and harmonization notes with IEC terminology.

Applications and Users

ISO 11807-1 is practical for:

• Photonics engineers and integrated-optics designers documenting device specifications and simulations.
• Manufacturers and suppliers preparing datasheets, test reports and procurement documents.
• Test and characterization labs ensuring consistent measurement descriptions (e.g., cutoff wavelength, NA).
• Systems integrators in optical communications, sensing, and photonic integrated circuits (PICs) who need consistent vocabulary for interfaces and coupling.
• Educators and standards committees requiring authoritative definitions for teaching and standard development.

Benefits:

• Reduces ambiguity in technical communication and contracts.
• Facilitates interoperability of documentation, test methods and component procurement.
• Serves as a baseline vocabulary when integrating optics with microelectronics and other microtechnologies.

Related Standards

• ISO 11807-2 - Terms used in classification.
• ISO 14881 - Interfaces - Parameters relevant to coupling properties.
• Harmonization efforts with IEC (see IEC 60050-731 references) ensure aligned terminology across optical and electrotechnical standards.