A scalar finite-difference time-domain approach to guided-wave optics

A finite-difference time-domain approach that solves the scalar wave equations is proposed and validated. The propagation, reflection, scattering, and radiation of electromagnetic waves in weakly guiding optical devices are described explicitly in the time domain. The method is applied to the simulation of guided-wave devices such as directional couplers and distributed feedback reflectors. A comparison to known analytical solutions shows good agreement.<<ETX>>