Solitons propagation in optical fibers computer experiments for students training

Abstract

This paper aims to present a numerical simulation of soliton propagation, based on Korteweg-de Vries equation, using a powerful PC program (Maple 10) who permits to perform numerical calculations, plot or animate functions and manage analytical expressions. We discuss a model of one soliton propagation in a nonlinear medium and the interaction between two solitons, taking account both of fiber dispersion and nonlinearity. Numerical simulations show how soliton propagate in optical fibers and how two solitons interact, passing one through another, with only a phase change. These simulations are thought to be useful for both the designers working in digital data transmission and students performing numerical simulation on soliton propagation as computer experiments in Optoelectronics laboratory. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2007.