Wave packet propagation by the Faber polynomial approximation in electrodynamics of passive media (Q2495782)

Maxwell's equations for propagation of electromagnetic waves in dispersive and absorptive (passive) media are represented in the form of the Schrödinger equation: \(i\partial_t \Psi = H \psi\), where \(H\) is a linear differential operator (Hamiltonian) acting on a multidimensional vector \(\Psi\) composed of the electromagnetic fields and auxiliary matter fields describing the medium response. In this representation, the initial value problem is solved by applying the fundamental solution \(\exp(-itH)\) to the initial value configuration. The Faber polynomial approximation is used to develop a numerical algorithm for propagation of broad band wave packets in passive media. The action of the Hamiltonian on the wave function \(\Psi\) is approximated by the Fourier grid pseudospectral method. The algorithm is global in time, meaning that the entire propagation can be carried out in just a few time steps. A typical step \(\Delta t\) is much larger than that in finite differencing schemes, \(\Delta t_F \geq | | H| | ^{-1}\). The accuracy and stability of the algorithm is analyzed. The Faber propagation method is compared with the Lanczos-Arnoldi propagation method with an example of scattering of broad band laser pulses on a periodic grating made of a dielectric whose dispersive properties are described by the Rocard-Powels-Debye model. The Faber algorithm is shown to be more efficient. The Courant limit for time stepping, \(\Delta t_C \approx | | H| | ^{-1}\), is exceeded at least.