Multimode ultrafast nonlinear optics in optical waveguides: numerical modeling and experiments in kagome photonic-crystal fiber

We introduce a general full-field propagation equation for optical waveguides, including both fundamental and higher order modes, and apply it to the investigation of spatial nonlinear effects of ultrafast and extremely broad-band nonlinear processes in hollow-core optical fibers. The model is used to describe pulse propagation in gas-filled hollow-core waveguides including the full dispersion, Kerr, and ionization effects. We study third-harmonic generation into higher order modes, soliton emission of resonant dispersive waves into higher order modes, intermodal four-wave mixing, and Kerr-driven transverse self-focusing and plasma-defocusing, all in a gas-filled kagome photonic crystal fiber system. In the latter case a form of waveguide-based filamentation is numerically predicted. (C) 2014 Optical Society of America