Rytov approximation: Application to scattering by two-dimensional weakly nonlinear dielectrics

The Rytov approximation is applied to devise an iterative numerical approach to the computation of electromagnetic scattering by two-dimensional weakly nonlinear configurations. The scatterers are assumed to be isotropic, inhomogeneous, lossless, and of arbitrary bounded shapes. The nonlinearity is assumed to be of the Kerr type, and the illumination is given by a monochromatic plane wave. The effects of the application of the Rytov approximation to various configurations and the convergence of the approach are demonstrated by several examples. Comparisons with the iterative Born approach are also made. (C) 1996 Optical Society of America