Applications of the nonlinear finite difference time domain (NL‐FDTD) method to pulse propagation in nonlinear media: Self‐focusing and linear‐nonlinear interfaces

In an effort to meet an ever increasing demand for more accurate and realistic integrated photonics simulations, we have developed a multidimensional, nonlinear finite difference time domain (NL‐FDTD) Maxwell's equations solver. The NL‐FDTD approach and its application to the modeling of the interaction of an ultrashort, optical pulsed Gaussian beam with a Kerr nonlinear material will be described. Typical examples from our studies of pulsed‐beam self‐focusing, the scattering of a pulsed‐beam from a linear‐nonlinear interface, and pulsed‐beam propagation in nonlinear waveguides will be discussed.