Optical Nonlinear Wakefield Vortices: Results from Full-Wave Vector Maxwell Equation Simulations in Two Spatial Dimensions and Time,
Abstract
In this paper we report the first multi-dimensional, full-wave, vector Maxwell's equation solutions to problems describing the interaction of ultra-short, pulsed beams with a nonlinear Kerr material having a finite response time. These solutions have been obtained with a nonlinear finite difference time domain (NL-FDTD) method which combines a nonlinear generalization of a standard, FDTD, full-wave, vector, linear Maxwell's equation solver with a currently used phenomenological time relaxation (Debye) model of a nonlinear Kerr material. In contrast to a number of recently reported numerical solutions of the full-wave, vector, time-independent Maxwell's equations and of vector paraxial equations, the FDTD approach is a time-dependent analysis which accounts for the complete time evolution of the system with no envelope approximations. Nonlinear self-focusing numerical solutions in two space dimensions and time obtained with this NL-FDTD method as well as related NL-FDTD results for normal and oblique incidence nonlinear interface problems will be presented. Although these basic geometries are straightforward, the NL-FDTD approach can readily handle very complex, realistic structures. These example TE and TM nonlinear optics problems will highlight the differences between the scalar and the vector approaches and the effects of the finite response time of the medium. The NL-FDTD method is beginning to resolve several very basic physics and engineering issues concerning the behavior of the full electromagnetic field during its interaction with a self-focusing medium.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADP008226
Entities
People
- Justin B. Judkins
- Richard W. Ziolkowski
Organizations
- University of Arizona