The Finite-Difference Time-Domain Method for Electromagnetics with MATLAB Simulations
Edition: First
Publisher: Scitech Publishing, Inc
Published: December 2008
Place of publication: US
Format: Hardcover
Number of pages: 425
Description: The objective of the book is to introduce the powerful Finite-Difference Time-Domain method to students and interested researchers and readers. An effective introduction is accomplished using a step-by-step process that builds competence and confidence in developing complete working codes for the design and analysis of various antennas and microwave devices. This book will serve graduate students, researchers, and those in industry and government who are using other electromagnetics tools and methods for the sake of performing independent numerical confirmation. No previous experience with finite-difference methods is assumed of readers to use this book. 
IMPORTANT TOPICS

The main topics in the book include the following:

•	the finite-difference approximation of the differential form of Maxwell’s equations 
•	the geometry construction in discrete space, including the treatment of the normal and tangential electric and magnetic field components at the boundaries between different media
•	the outer-boundary conditions treatment
•	the procedures for the appropriate selection of time and spatial increments
•	 the proper selection of the source waveform
•	the correct parameters for the time-to-frequency-domain transformation 
•	the simulation of thin wires
•	the representation of lumped passive and active elements in the FDTD simulation
•	the scattered versus total field formulations 
•	the definition and formulation of near and far zone sources
•	the use of graphical processing units for accelerating the FDTD simulations.
Notes: KEY STRENGTHS

The strengths of the book can be summarized in four points: 
 
•	First, the derivations of the FDTD equations are presented in an understandable, detailed, and complete manner, which makes it easy for beginners to grasp the FDTD concepts. Further to that point, regardless of the different treatments required for various objects, such as dielectrics, conductors, lumped elements, active devices, or thin wires, the FDTD updating equations are provided with a consistent and unified notation. 
•	Second, many three-dimensional figures are presented to accompany the derived equations. This helps readers visualize, follow, and link the components of the equations with the discrete FDTD spatial domain. 
•	Third, it is well known that readers usually face difficulties while developing numerical tools for electromagnetics applications even though they understand the theory. Therefore, we introduce in this book a top-down software design approach that links the theoretical concepts with program development and helps in constructing an FDTD simulation tool as the chapters proceed. 
•	Fourth, fully worked out practical examples showing how the MATLAB codes for each example is developed to promote both the understanding and the visualization of the example configuration, its FDTD parameters and setup procedure, and finally the frequency and/or time domain corresponding  solutions.

At the end of each chapter, readers will find a set of exercises that will emphasize the key features presented in that chapter. Since most of these exercises require code developments and the orientation of geometries and sources can be chosen arbitrarily, a suggested configuration of each in almost all of these exercises is provided in a three dimensional figure. 

The authors hope that with this coverage of the FDTD method, along with the supplied MATLAB codes in a single book, readers will be able to learn the method, to develop their own FDTD simulation tool, and to start enjoying, with confidence, the simulation of a variety of electromagnetic problems.