Full-wave analysis of reverse saturable absorption in time-domain

TL;DR

This paper introduces a comprehensive full-wave time-domain numerical model for reverse saturable absorption, coupling rate equations with Maxwell's equations via a Lorentzian oscillator, enabling advanced design of optical limiting systems.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel, versatile finite-difference time-domain model for RSA that integrates atomic dynamics with electromagnetic wave propagation.

Findings

Model verified against established methods

Enables design of complex optical structures

Facilitates optimization of optical limiting devices

Abstract

An advanced full-wave time-domain numerical model for reverse saturable absorption (RSA) is presented and verified against established methods. Rate equations, describing atomic relaxations and excitation dynamics, are coupled to Maxwell equations by using a Lorentzian oscillator. These oscillator models the kinetics-dependent light-matter interaction in the form of averaged polarizations. The coupled equations are discretized in space and time using a finite-difference time-domain method which provides a versatile platform to design complex structures and integrate diverse material models. We believe that our models are crucial tools enabling for the realization and optimization of optical limiting and all-optical switching systems.