Numerical mode-matching method for the multiregion vertically stratified media [EM wave propagation]

The response of a source in the presence of an N-region, vertically stratified media is solved using the numerical mode-matching method. By treating the fields propagating in the direction parallel to the subboundaries of the stratified media in terms of the propagators, and by introducing the concepts of reflection operators, transmission operators, and generalized reflection operators, the two-dimensional problem is reduced to several one-dimensional problems, which are solved by the one-dimensional finite-element method (FEM). The one-dimensional method saves computer storage and computation time compared to the two-dimensional version. A formulation valid for a general N-region vertically stratified medium is derived. When there are only three regions, the results compare well with those in the literature. Some typical numerical results for N>3 are also shown