Gaussian Pulse Dynamics in Single-Mode Fibers: Numerical Analysis of Attenuation and Kerr Nonlinearity via the Nonlinear Schrödinger Equation

Abstract

This study explores the effects of attenuation and Kerr nonlinearity on optical pulse propagation in single-mode fibers using the Nonlinear Schrödinger Equation (NLSE). The simulations are conducted under three scenarios: linear propagation (attenuation and dispersion only), nonlinear propagation without attenuation, and the combined effects of attenuation and Kerr nonlinearity. The study uses typical parameters for a standard single-mode fiber operating at 1550 nm. The pulse characteristics are analyzed in both the time domain (pulse broadening and amplitude decay) and the frequency domain (spectral broadening due to self-phase modulation). The results show that attenuation causes power loss over distance, while dispersion distorts the pulse shape. When considering only Kerr nonlinearity, the pulse experiences spectral broadening. In the combined scenario, both attenuation and nonlinearity contribute to temporal and spectral broadening. This research emphasizes the importance of considering both linear and nonlinear effects for optimizing fiber-optic communication systems, particularly in long-distance transmission.