Impact of the Scalar Approximation on the Prediction of the Group Velocity Dispersion

A detailed study of the impact of using a scalar approximation to the wave equation on the prediction of the group velocity dispersion is shown by comparing predictions against results obtained by using a full-vectorial wave equation and measurements of commercially available optical fibers. The effect is significant for fibers with large waveguide dispersion, such as highly nonlinear and dispersion compensating fibers.