Finite thickness lens model for self-focusing (defocusing) in Kerr medium

A “finite thickness lens” model for self-focusing (defocusing) in Kerr medium is presented. An on-axis normalization transmittance formula is presented for arbitrary nonlinear phase shift for the finite thickness Kerr medium by introducing a nonlinear ABCD-matrix for the transition of a Gaussian beam from linear to non-linear medium, without complex calculation for the beam radius at the far field aperture. The variation of the peak and valley transmittance difference is found to enhance linearly as the phase shift at the focus increases by increasing the thickness of the medium. If the ratio of the Rayleigh istance divided by the thickness of the medium (d/z0) is constant and small enough, the peak and valley transmittance difference stays constant. Finally, a qualitative formula is presented to express the relationship between the system parameters and the on-axis phase shift at the focus.