Overview
EN ISO 11807-1:2021 (Integrated optics - Vocabulary - Part 1) is a CEN-endorsed ISO standard that defines the basic terms, symbols and units used for optical waveguides and related integrated optical devices. It provides a unified vocabulary for planar integrated-optics components (waveguides, cores, claddings, substrates, superstrates) and their modal and loss characteristics, with an informative coordinate system (Annex A) and a consolidated list of symbols and units (Annex B). The document supports clarity and consistency in optical communications, sensing and integrated-photonics design.
Key topics and requirements
- Vocabulary and definitions
- Core terminology for integrated optics (e.g., integrated optics, waveguide, slab waveguide, strip/channel waveguide).
- Waveguide regions and materials: core, cladding, substrate, superstrate.
- Modes and polarization
- Definitions of mode, guided mode, TE mode, TM mode, evanescent field, and modal indexing conventions.
- Waveguide properties
- Terms covering refractive index distributions, modal confinement, and loss/attenuation concepts.
- Formal references and harmonization
- Normative references include ISO 11807-2 (classification terms) and ISO 14881 (interface parameters relevant to coupling).
- Harmonized terminology with IEC where applicable to reduce ambiguity.
- Coordinate system and symbols
- Annex A: coordinate system used for defining geometry and polarization.
- Annex B: list of standardized symbols and units for use in documentation and specifications.
Note: As a vocabulary standard, the document’s “requirements” are prescriptive definitions and symbol usage rather than test procedures or numerical specifications.
Applications and users
This standard is practical for anyone producing, specifying, testing or teaching about integrated optical components:
- Optical and photonic engineers-for consistent device descriptions, datasheets, and design documentation.
- Manufacturers and suppliers-to align product specifications, interface definitions and quality documents.
- Test laboratories and certification bodies-to ensure unambiguous reporting of waveguide properties and losses.
- System integrators-for matching coupling interfaces and polarization conventions in optical communications and sensor systems.
- Academia and training-as a reference for teaching standard terminology in integrated optics.
Common application areas: optical communications, integrated optical chips, optical sensors, photonic integrated circuits (PICs), and optoelectronic component datasheets.
Related standards
- ISO 11807-2 - Integrated optics - Vocabulary - Part 2: terms used in classification.
- ISO 14881 - Integrated optics - Interfaces - Parameters relevant to coupling properties.
- Harmonization with relevant IEC terminology (e.g., IEC 60050‑731) is noted where definitions overlap.
Keywords: integrated optics, optical waveguide, ISO 11807-1, vocabulary, waveguide modes, TE mode, TM mode, slab waveguide, strip waveguide, refractive index, optical communications, optical sensors, CEN.