Finite difference time domain methods for the Dirac equation coupled with the Chern-Simons gauge field (Q6123356)

The paper titled ``Finite difference time domain methods for the Dirac equation coupled with the Chern-Simons gauge field'' by Jeongho Kim and Bora Moon, addresses a complex scientific problem in the field of computational physics and applied mathematics. The authors focus on developing and analyzing finite difference time domain (FDTD) methods for solving the Dirac equation in the presence of the Chern-Simons gauge field. This problem is significant as it relates to understanding physical phenomena in planar physics, including the fractional quantum Hall effect and high-Tc superconductivity, which are pivotal in quantum mechanics and condensed matter physics. The study introduces various well-known FDTD schemes, such as the Crank-Nicolson method, leap-frog method, and semi-implicit methods, to discretize the spinor equation. For discretizing the gauge equations, the authors mainly employ the Lorenz gauge condition, deriving finite difference methods of the Crank-Nicolson or leap-frog type for these equations. The paper meticulously establishes error estimates for these FDTD methods, proving their second-order accuracy in both space and time through rigorous mathematical analysis. Moreover, numerical examples are presented to validate the second-order convergence of the methods and to illustrate how the numerical solutions depend on different parameters or gauge conditions. The core of the research lies in the application of these methods to the Chern-Simons-Dirac (CSD) equations, which describe the behavior of spinors in the presence of a Chern-Simons gauge field. The authors elaborate on the derivation of the CSD equations from the Lagrangian density, discussing gauge invariance and the necessity of selecting an appropriate gauge condition to ensure well-posedness. The paper highlights the Lorenz gauge condition as the primary focus, while also considering other conditions. Significantly, the research contributes to the field by presenting a comprehensive convergence analysis for the introduced FDTD methods. This includes the development of the methods themselves, their application to the CSD equations under different gauge conditions, and the demonstration of their numerical stability and accuracy. The study not only extends the analytical framework for solving the Dirac equation with an external electromagnetic potential but also introduces novel numerical methods for tackling the Dirac equation coupled with two-dimensional Chern-Simons gauge fields. In conclusion, this research paper is of paramount significance to the field of computational physics, specifically in the study of quantum mechanics and gauge theories. By developing accurate and reliable FDTD methods for the Dirac equation coupled with the Chern-Simons gauge field, \textit{J. Kim} and \textit{B. Moon} [Discrete Contin. Dyn. Syst., Ser. B 27, No. 11, 6417--6439 (2022; Zbl 1501.65039)] provide a valuable tool for exploring and understanding complex phenomena in planar physics. The paper's contributions to numerical methods, convergence analysis, and its application to physical phenomena underscore its importance and potential impact on further studies in computational and theoretical physics.