FULL-WAVE VECTOR MAXWELL EQUATION SIMULATION OF NONLINEAR SELF-FOCUSING EFFECTS IN 3 SPATIAL DIMENSIONS

In our effort to meet an increasing demand for more accurate and reali stic nonlinear optics simulations, we have developed a nonlinear hybri d vector finite element method (NL-HVFEM) to study different phenomena due to wave propagation in waveguides filled with nonlinear Kerr-type media. Contrary to the most existing scalar models, the NL-HVFEM appr oach is based upon the vector Helmholtz equation and thus call predict the vectorial properties of fields in nonlinear media. In this paper, we describe the NL-HVFEM approach and apply it to study nonlinear sel f-focusing effects in nonlinear waveguide. The numerical results of th e evolution of the beam self-focusing are also included. Also, we summ arized conditions under which electromagnetic beam can produce its own dielectric waveguide and propagate without spreading.