No abstract

An efficient numerical strategy to compute the higher---order dispersion parameters of optical waveguides is presented. To the best of our knowledge, for the first time in the literature a systematic study of the errors involved in the higher---order dispersions' numerical calculation process is made, showing that the present strategy can model those parameters with greater accuracy than the one that can be provided by optical waveguides' state of the art manufacturing processes. Such strategy combines a full---vectorial finite element modal solver and a proper finite difference differentiation algorithm. Its performance has been carefully assessed through the analysis of several key geometries. In addition, the optimization of those higher---order dispersion parameters can also be carried out by coupling to the present scheme a genetic algorithm, as shown here through the design of Photonic Crystal Fibers suitable for parametric amplification applications. Finally, a new Four---Wave Vectorial Model for High---Refractive---Index---Contrast Optical Waveguides is proposed and left to be used as a basis for future works.