Abstract
Numerical beam-propagation simulations of optimized reverse-saturable absorption-based optical limiters are presented, where the depth of focus of the input beam is much smaller than the thickness of the nonlinear material. The optimization is achieved by allowing the molecular concentration to vary along the propagation path, allowing the entire length of the limiter to reach the maximum possible nonlinear absorption before eventual damage to the limiter. The analytic model originally derived by Miles is reviewed in detail to determine the design and performance of such limiters.