  We present an efficient and flexible method for solving the non-linear lasing
equations of the steady-state ab initio laser theory. Our strategy is to solve
the underlying system of partial differential equations directly, without the
need of setting up a parametrized basis of constant flux states. We validate
this approach in one-dimensional as well as in cylindrical systems, and
demonstrate its scalability to full-vector three-dimensional calculations in
photonic-crystal slabs. Our method paves the way for efficient and accurate
simulations of lasing structures which were previously inaccessible.
