Numerical Electromagnetics: The FDTD Method

Beginning with the development of finite difference equations, and leading to the complete FDTD algorithm, this is a coherent introduction to the FDTD method (the method of choice for modeling Maxwell's equations). It provides students and professional engineers with everything they need to know to begin writing FDTD simulations from scratch and to develop a thorough understanding of the inner workings of commercial FDTD software. Stability, numerical dispersion, sources and boundary conditions are all discussed in detail, as are dispersive and anisotropic materials. A comparative introduction of the finite volume and finite element methods is also provided. All concepts are introduced from first principles, so no prior modeling experience is required, and they are made easier to understand through numerous illustrative examples and the inclusion of both intuitive explanations and mathematical derivations.

Umran S. Inan is a Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering at Stanford University, where he has led pioneering research in plasma physics and electromagnetics for over 30 years. As a committed teacher, he has authored two previous books that have become standard textbooks for electromagnetics courses, as well as receiving numerous awards including the Tau Beta Pi Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Award and the Outstanding Service Award from the Electrical Engineering Department for Excellence in Teaching. He is a fellow of both the Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and the American Geophysical Union (AGU).

Robert A. Marshall is a Research Scientist at Boston University, where he has worked since receiving his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University in 2009. He has received numerous awards from both Stanford University and the academic community, including the International Science Union (URSI) and the American Geophysical Union (AGU).