Modelling of liquid crystal optics is commonly based on variants of matrix-
type solvers, which are ideally suited for addressing light wave propagatio
n in stratified anisotropic media. Liquid crystal devices with complex dire
ctor structures on the micron scale require more rigorous methods Tur predi
cting their optical response. Two potential candidate methods exist: the Be
am Propagation Method and the Finite-Difference Time Domain Method. The sco
pe of this paper is to apply the former and assess its accuracy against the
latter, which is considered to be more general. The analysis and assessmen
t is focused on Zenithal Bistable Nematic devices.