title: Finite-difference time-domain simulation of ultrashort pulse propagation incorporating quantum-mechanical response functions.
abstract: A semiclassical implementation of the finite-difference time-domain method is used to simulate coherent linear propagation of ultrashort mid-infrared pulses through optically dense samples of isotropically diluted liquid water. Bloch equations for the density matrix are used as a simple model of the O--H oscillator relaxation, and the algorithm is extended to other response functions. Sensitivity of the field to the form of the response function is demonstrated, and the results are compared with experimentally determined electric fields in the same media [Rev. Sci. Instrum. 73, 2227 (2002)].
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, James Franck Institute, and Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, University of Chicago, 5735 S. Ellis Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA.
authors.forename: Julie A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Gruetzmacher
authors.forename: Norbert F
authors.initials: NF
authors.lastname: Scherer
mesh_terms: D003198:Computer Simulation; D016014:Linear Models; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D055095:Optics and Photonics; D011789:Quantum Theory; D013997:Time Factors