Python Bindings for the Open Source Electromagnetic Simulator Meep

Author

Lambert, Emmanuel ; Fiers, Martin ; Nizamov, Shavkat ; Tassaert, Martijn ; Johnson, Steven G. ; Bienstman, Peter ; Bogaerts, Wim

Author_Institution

Ghent Univ., Ghent, Belgium

Volume

13

Issue

3

fYear

2011

Firstpage

53

Lastpage

65

Abstract

This paper describes Meep, a popular free implementation of the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method for simulating electromagnetism. In particular, we focus on aspects of implementing a full-featured FDTD package that go beyond standard textbook descriptions of the algorithm, or ways in which Meep differs from typical FDTD implementations. These include pervasive interpolation and accurate modeling of subpixel features, advanced signal processing, support for nonlinear materials via Padé approximants, and flexible scripting capabilities.

Keywords

computational electromagnetics; finite difference time-domain analysis; public domain software; software packages; FDTD; Meep; Padé approximant; electromagnetic simulator; finite difference time domain method; flexible scripting; open source package; pervasive interpolation; python bindings; signal processing; Computational modeling; Computer architecture; Ecosystems; Large-scale systems; Open source software; Packaging; Parallel processing; Photonics; C++ interfacing; Finite difference methods (FDTD); Meep FDTD simulator; Python; SWIG; computational science; object-oriented languages; scientific computing; software engineering;

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Computing in Science & Engineering

Publisher

ieee

ISSN

1521-9615

Type

jour

DOI

10.1109/MCSE.2010.98

Filename

5518746