Full vector beam propagation method for axially dependent 3-D structures

A full vector beam propagation method, which is based on the split-operator approach, is developed and it is applied on 3-D z-dependent structures. The coupling between the transverse and axial components of the electric field, which stems from the variation of the refractive index along the direction of propagation, is fully retained. Various numerical implementations are proposed and assessed. Numerical applications are from the field of integrated optics.