Scalar finite-element analysis of optical-fiber facets

A numerically efficient scalar analysis of optical-fiber-facet problems based on the finite-element scheme is presented. By adopting the Taylor's series expansion of the characteristic matrix at the discontinuity plane, an accurate and yet numerically efficient approach is suggested for calculating the reflected and transmitted fields at discontinuities with circular symmetry. The scattering of the scalar LP/sub 01/ mode and higher order LP/sub 0m/ modes at both uncoated and coated optical-fiber facets has been analyzed, and the accuracy of the present finite-element approach is revealed through the excellent agreement of its results with those in the literature.