Simulation of a Gaussian beam in an optical waveguide

[Aniket1]

I am trying to simulate a Gaussian beam through an optical waveguide having a circular cross-section in matlab. I am familiar with the theory of modes in an optical fiber and can analytically calculate the evolution of the beam by breaking down the beam into a sum of infinite modes.
However, I wish to know if there is any numerical technique to simulate the same process numerically.
Thank you.

 

[UltrafastPED]

Is group velocity dispersion considered? Bending radius? Fiber cladding? What are your objectives?

 

[Aniket1]

Is group velocity dispersion considered? Bending radius? Fiber cladding? What are your objectives?

Yes. Group velocity dispersion is considered. The fiber has a step index profile (constant refractive index inside the core and cladding with a small difference between their values). I'm not considering the effect of bending right now. I only want to get an idea of how to start with the simulation in terms of mathematics.
Thank you

 

[UltrafastPED]

Here is someone who has done it for you: http://www.rp-photonics.com/fiberpower_sm_launch.html

Here is the model: http://www.rp-photonics.com/fiberpower_model.html
And here: http://www.rp-photonics.com/spotlight_2008_11_08.html

You can write them for references to papers/texts that were used in the design of this software.

 

[sardar]

As a fellow scientist, I am glad to see your interest in simulating Gaussian beams in an optical waveguide. I understand your familiarity with the theory of modes and your desire to explore numerical techniques for simulating this process.

There are indeed several numerical techniques that can be used to simulate Gaussian beams in optical waveguides. One popular method is the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method, which discretizes the wave equation in both space and time and solves for the electric and magnetic fields at each point in the waveguide. This method can accurately simulate the propagation of Gaussian beams in waveguides with different cross-sectional shapes.

Another commonly used technique is the beam propagation method (BPM), which approximates the wave equation using a paraxial approximation and solves for the beam's evolution in a step-wise manner along the waveguide. This method is particularly useful for simulating Gaussian beams in long waveguides with a large number of modes.

Additionally, there are other numerical methods such as the finite element method, the boundary element method, and the spectral element method that can also be used to simulate Gaussian beams in optical waveguides. Each method has its advantages and limitations, and the choice of method will depend on the specific requirements of your simulation.

In conclusion, there are several numerical techniques available for simulating Gaussian beams in optical waveguides, and I suggest exploring and comparing them to find the most suitable one for your specific needs. I wish you all the best in your research.