Electromagnetism simulation

This teaching unit deals with solving electromagnetic problems using computers. Based on Maxwell's equations, it shows how to simulate the behavior of electromagnetic waves in different media. In particular, it includes a detailed implementation of simulations based on the finite difference time domain (FDTD) method.

An introduction to diffraction problems in harmonic regime by a bounded obstacle will be given for the case of scalar waves in 2D and 3D.

Upon completion of this course unit, students will be able to:

• Apply a finite difference time domain (FDTD) numerical scheme to discretize Maxwell's equations in 1D, 2D, and 3D.
• Implementing the FDTD method in Python using the Numpy and Matplotlib libraries
• Simulate the propagation of electromagnetic waves in different media
• Choose appropriate parameters to ensure the stability of the digital scheme and limit errors resulting from digital processing.
• Model a diffraction problem in harmonic regime and learn about certain modal methods.

Master's degree in Physics

Recommended prerequisites:

Python programming

CCI

• Python refresher, using the NumPy and Matplotlib libraries
• Solving the wave equation using the finite difference time domain (FDTD) method
• Simulation of electromagnetic wave propagation in different 1D media and analysis of the effect of different parameters introduced in the numerical simulation.
• Yee mesh
• Perfect Matching Layer (PML)
• Introduction to MATLAB Programming
• Theory of diffraction by a bounded obstacle in harmonic regime (2D-3D) for scalar waves
• Implementation of a modal method in the case of a circular or spherical obstacle
• Introduction to the resonant structure of the diffraction matrix.