Dynamics of self-focusing and self-phase modulation in a parabolic index optical fiber

The dynamics that result from the combined effects of spatial diffraction, nonlinearity, and a parabolic graded index for wave propagation in optical fibers are presented. An approximate analytical solution of the nonlinear Schrödinger equation in a graded-index fiber is obtained by using a variational approach. Particular emphasis is put on the variation of both the pulse width and the longitudinal phase delay with the distance of propagation along the fiber.