A novel beam propagation method for large refractive index steps and large propagation distance

Within the accuracy of the scalar equation, a novel beam propagation method (BPM) is proposed for the calculation of integrated optical waveguide structures with large refractive index steps Delta n. Propagation increments in excess of a wavelength are possible for Delta n approximately=2.5. In this way, high stability and accuracy can be maintained over a large total propagation length. The calculation time is kept low by using a finite-difference scheme.>