A python package for ultrashort optical pulse propagation in terms of forward models for the analytic signal

TL;DR

This paper introduces an open-source Python package for simulating ultrashort optical pulse propagation in nonlinear waveguides, capable of modeling complex interactions and validated against known solutions.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel Python software package that accurately simulates ultrashort pulse dynamics using unidirectional propagation equations for the analytic signal.

Findings

Successfully reproduces literature results for test cases

Handles complex multi-pulse propagation scenarios

Provides flexible modeling of dispersion and nonlinear effects

Abstract

We present a flexible, open-source Python package for the accurate simulation of the $z$-propagation dynamics of ultrashort optical pulses in nonlinear waveguides, especially valid for few-cycle pulses and their interaction. The simulation approach is based on unidirectional propagation equations for the analytic signal. The provided software allows to account for dispersion, attenuation, four-wave mixing processes including, e.g., third-harmonic generation, and features various models for the Raman response. The propagation equations are solved on a periodic temporal domain. For $z$-propagation, a selection of pseudospectral methods is available. Propagation scenarios for a custom propagation constant and initial field pulses can either be specified in terms of a HDF5 based input file format or by direct implementation using a python script. We demonstrate the functionality for a test-case for which an exact solution is available, by reproducing exemplary results documented in the scientific literature, and a complex propagation scenario involving multiple pulses. The py-fmas code, its reference manual, an extended user guide, and further usage examples are available online at https://github.com/omelchert/py-fmas.