On the Numerical Accuracy of Finite-Difference Time-Domain Dispersive Modeling Based on a Complex Quadratic Rational Function

Abstract

Recently, based on a quadratic complex rational function, an attractive finite-difference time-domain algorithm was suggested for dispersive modeling of complex media because it is accurate and easy to implement. To fully utilize the quadratic complex rational function finite-difference time-domain, it is essential to investigate its numerical errors based on an exact mathematical approach. Toward this purpose, the exact expression of the numerical permittivity is first derived. From this numerical permittivity, the numerical dispersion, numerical dissipation, and numerical anisotropy inherent to the quadratic complex rational function finite-difference time-domain are examined. Numerical examples illustrate that the numerical errors of the quadratic complex rational function finite-difference time-domain is almost same as those of the nondispersive finite-difference time-domain.