An improved FD-TD full wave analysis for arbitrary guiding structures using a two-dimensional mesh

A novel finite-difference time-domain (FD-TD) formulation is proposed for the efficient analysis of arbitrary waveguiding structures. In contrast to the conventional FD-TD eigenvalue formulation, which requires a three-dimensional mesh for adequately formed resonator sections, this method utilizes advantageously a two-dimensional mesh for analyzing the full-wave dispersive characteristic of guided structures. This leads to a significant reduction in CPU time and storage requirements. Numerical examples are presented for bi- and unilateral finlines with finite metallization thickness and for a pair of coupled shielded dielectric guides. The theory is verified by comparison with results obtained by other methods.<>