Three dimensional optical fiber simulation

Computer simulation could play a substantial role in optical research involving fiber optic cables for two main reasons: (1) a full electromagnetic simulation can offer insight at a fundamental level which is not possible using experimental methods, and (2) new ideas can be tested much easier and quicker than experimental methods. The finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method is an explicit method which implements the time domain Maxwell´s equations. It has been used in the simulation of light in nonlinear fiber optical cables, but usually only in one or two dimensions. It has also been shown to be capable of simulating nonlinear phenomena in three dimensions. The problem in simulating a fiber optic cable in three dimensions using the FDTD method is logistical, i.e., having enough computer memory to simulate enough of the cable to make the simulation meaningful. Because the FDTD method is an explicit time domain method, it requires about 10 points per wavelength to maintain accuracy. This is illustrated by an example.