Three dimensional nonlinear optical fiber simulation using the FDTD method

A previous paper addressed the simulation of nonlinear optical fibers using the finite difference time domain (FDTD) method in one dimension. The three-dimensional problem presents substantial logistical problems because the FDTD method requires a relatively high sampling density per wavelength making simulation over distances of several wavelengths difficult. Several techniques are described to make such a simulation possible with limited computer resources. Among them is a moving problem space which holds the pulse in the middle and moves the background medium passed the pulse. Fourier and wavelet analyses are used to characterize the pulse.