Time-domain simulation of optical wave propagation in non-linear and dispersive media

Modern high-speed optical communication systems consist of several devices based on the behaviour of non-linear and dispersive material. Optimizing the performance of these devices requires simulation techniques considering the characteristic material properties. Optical wave propagation in isotropic, inhomogeneous, non-linear, dispersive media is effected by Lorentz dispersion as well as third order effects like Raman scattering and Kerr effect. We present a general Finite Integration Technique (FIT) formulation for simulating optical pulse propagation in the above described media [1]. The applicability of this method for modelling soliton propagation is demonstrated.