Abstract
In dielectric waveguide analysis and synthesis, we often encounter an awkward task of solving the eigenvalue equation to find the value of propagation constant. Since the dispersion equation is an irrational equation, we cannot solve it directly. Taking advantage of approximated calculation, we attempt here to solve this irrational dispersion equation. A new type of eigenvalue equation, in which guide index is expressed as a function of frequency, has been developed. In practical optical waveguide designing and in calculating the propagation mode, this equation will be used more conveniently than the previous one. To expedite the design of the waveguide, we then solve the eigenvalue equation of a slab waveguide, which is sufficiently accurate for practical purpose.