Finite element simulation of microphotonic lasing system

TL;DR

This paper introduces a finite element simulation method for microphotonic lasing systems with a four-level gain medium, enabling faster time domain analysis and demonstrated through a 2D cylindrical spaser array example.

Contribution

The paper develops a novel finite element approach with an approximation for faster time evolution in simulating microphotonic lasing systems.

Findings

Significant speedup in simulation time

Successful 2D simulation of a cylindrical spaser array

Validation of the method for complex microphotonic structures

Abstract

We present a method for performing time domain simulations of a microphotonic system containing a four level gain medium based on the finite element method. This method includes an approximation that involves expanding the pump and probe electromagnetic fields around their respective carrier frequencies, providing a dramatic speedup of the time evolution. Finally, we present a two dimensional example of this model, simulating a cylindrical spaser array consisting of a four level gain medium inside of a metal shell.