Theory for a new full-vectorial beam-propagation method in anisotropic structures

We present a theoretical model of light-beam propagation in anisotropic and inhomogeneous dielectric structures obtained as a direct extension of the scalar fast-Fourier-transform beam-propagation method. We solve Maxwell's e quations in a generalized geometrical optics approximation, in which the re flected fields are neglected. This is a full-vectorial model because it acc ounts for the polarization effects that are due to both the anisotropy and the inhomogeneity of the medium. (C) 1999 Optical Society of America.