Numerical study of radially inhomogeneous optical fibers using a predictor-corrector method

Area of Science:

• Optical Fiber Communications
• Computational Electromagnetics
• Numerical Analysis

Background:

• Radially inhomogeneous optical fibers present unique challenges for numerical analysis.
• Existing methods like Runge-Kutta and collocation have limitations in accuracy or efficiency.
• Understanding propagation characteristics in non-uniform fibers is crucial for device design.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and validate a predictor-corrector method for integrating Maxwell's equations in radially inhomogeneous fibers.
• To compare the performance of this new method against established numerical techniques.
• To investigate the impact of specific index profile variations on fiber propagation.

Main Methods:

• Numerical integration of Maxwell's equations using a predictor-corrector approach.
• Comparison of the predictor-corrector method with Runge-Kutta and collocation methods.
• Simulation of radially inhomogeneous fiber models with central dips and core-cladding valleys.

Main Results:

• The predictor-corrector method demonstrates superior accuracy and efficiency compared to previous methods.
• Specific index profile deviations significantly alter propagation characteristics.
• Quantified departures from the propagation behavior of standard parabolic index fibers.

Conclusions:

• The predictor-corrector method is a highly effective tool for analyzing complex optical fiber structures.
• Deviations in the radial index profile have a notable impact on signal propagation.
• This method facilitates a deeper understanding of inhomogeneous fiber optics.