A three-dimensional full vectorial beam propagation method for z-dependent structures

A full vector beam propagation method based on the split-operator approach is developed for 3-D z-dependent structures. The inherent coupling of the three electric field components found in the vector wave equation, which stems from the variation of the refractive index along the axial z/spl circ/ direction, is fully taken into consideration. Three distinct procedures are proposed for the numerical implementation based on the FFT, Pade approximation, and alternating direction implicit (ADI), respectively. Typical integrated optics applications are considered in order to verify and assess the applicability of the method.