In this work we present a virtual simulator developed using the MATLAB GUIDE environment based on
the numerical resolution of the nonlinear Schrödinger equation (NLS) and using the split step method
for the study of the spatial–temporal propagation of nonlinear ultrashort laser pulses. This allows
us to study the spatial–temporal propagation of ultrafast pulses as well as the influence of
high-order spectral phases such as group delay dispersion and third-order dispersion on pulse
compression in time. The NLS can describe several nonlinear effects, in particular in this paper we
consider the Kerr effect, cross-polarized wave generation and cubic–quintic propagation in order to
highlight the potential of this equation combined with the GUIDE environment. Graphical user
interfaces are commonly used in science and engineering teaching due to their educational value, and
have proven to be an effective way to engage and motivate students. Specifically, the interactive
graphical inter…