Abstract
A symmetrized split-step Fourier (SSSF) simulation model with global simulation accuracy control is extended to vector optical fiber multi-span propagation cases, which are applicable to the waveform level simulation of polarization multiplexed coherent optical communication systems. Using local error bound obtained from a scalar simulation package, the prescribed global simulation accuracy can be satisfied for the simulation of propagation of optical signals with dual polarization input. Furthermore, it was found that the computational efficiency for one span simulation can be maintained for multi-span simulation. The developed simulation package can significantly speed up the time-consuming simulations which are typical in coherent optical fiber communication system design.