Solution of Maxwell´s equations by optimisation [antenna radiation patterns]

It is difficult to predict the radiation pattern from an antenna or scatterer when it is several wavelengths in size. Geometrical optics is insufficient, and Maxwell´s equations are difficult to solve because their solution may occupy a large region in phase space. In a numerical analysis, a finite set of basis functions is chosen which defines a limited region in phase space. The authors describe an optimisation analysis which can accommodate a wide variety of bases. An attempt is made to match solution effort to a given accuracy in the scattered pattern