A vector beam propagation method for guided-wave optics

A vector beam propagation method (BPM) for the modeling and simulation of electromagnetic wave propagation in optical guided-wave devices is proposed. The vector BPM is based on a finite-difference scheme which takes into account the boundary conditions of the transverse electric fields over the waveguide cross section. By incorporating the vector boundary conditions in the finite-difference scheme, the polarization property of the propagation electromagnetic waves is included in the analysis. The method is applied to a directional coupler made of parallel slabs, and is shown to be in excellent agreement with the exact solutions.<>