AbstractThe method of effective penetration depth is used to produce a novel scalar or polarized finite difference approach for the solution of optical rib waveguide field problems. The new method is quicker than previous finite difference approaches and requires less computer memory. Propagation constant values are presented for a range of semiconductor rib waveguides and are found to be indistinguishable from benchmark results produced using earlier methods of analysis. A simple polarization correction formula recently derived is confirmed by utilizing the good accuracy of these results. This enables discussion of the relationship between quasi‐TE, quasi‐TM and scalar modes, and a further substantial reduction of the cpu t