CUDA-based optical parametric oscillator simulator

TL;DR

This paper presents a CUDA-accelerated simulation package for optical parametric oscillators based on coupled-wave equations, achieving over 50x speedup compared to CPU implementations, facilitating faster modeling of nonlinear optical processes.

Contribution

The work introduces a GPU-accelerated simulation tool for OPOs using the Split-Step Fourier Method, enabling rapid and adaptable modeling of nonlinear optical phenomena.

Findings

Achieved over 50x speedup with GPU implementation

Successfully modeled light propagation in nonlinear crystals

Flexible cavity configuration adaptation

Abstract

The coupled-wave equations (CWEs) in nonlinear optics are the fundamental starting point in the study, analysis, and understanding of various frequency conversion processes in dielectric media subjected to intense laser radiation. In this work, a useful package for the modeling of optical parametric oscillators (OPOs) based on the Split-Step Fourier Method algorithm is presented. The algorithm is scripted in the CUDA programming language in order to speed up the calculations and obtain results in a relatively short time frame by using a graphics processing unit (GPU). Our results show a speedup higher than 50X for vector size of $2^{14}$ in comparison with the analogous code scripted for running only in CPU. The package implements the CWEs to model the propagation of light in second-order nonlinear crystals widely used in optical frequency conversion experiments. In addition, the code allows the user to adapt the cavity configuration by selecting the resonant electric fields and/or incorporating intracavity elements. The package is useful for modeling OPOs or other mathematically similar problems.