Propagation characteristics of single-mode optical fibers with arbitrary refractive-index profile: the finite quadratic element approach

A numerical technique is discussed for the propagation characteristics of single-mode optical fibers. The method is applicable to an arbitrary refractive-index profile as well as a measured profile. The propagation constant is of high accuracy and can be used in numerical differentiation to calculate chromatic dispersion. The calculation is very fast, thus suitable for use in structural design and optimization. This method can also be used in the analysis of the multimode or few-mode optical fibers. >