Maurice Weiner - Böcker

Problems in electromagnetic propagation, especially those with complex geometries, have traditionally been solved using numerical methods, such as the method of finite differences. Unfortunately the mathematical methods suffer from a lack of physical appeal. The researcher or designer often loses sight of the physics underlying the problem, and changes in the mathematical formulation are often not identifiable with any physical change.This book employs a relatively new method for solving electromagnetic problems, one which makes use of a transmission line matrix (TLM). The propagation space is imagined to be filled with this matrix. The propagating fields and physical properties (for example, the presence of conductivity) are then mapped onto the matrix. Mathematically, the procedures are identical with the traditional numerical methods; however, the interpretation and physical appeal of the transmission line matrix are far superior. Any change in the matrix has an immediate physical significance. What is also very important is that the matrix becomes a launching pad for many improvements in the analysis (for example, the nature of coherent waves) using more modern notions of electromagnetic waves. Eventually, the purely mathematical techniques will probably give way to the transmission line matrix method.

This latest edition continues the evolution toward the ultimate realization of a new technique for solving electromagnetic propagation problems. The technique combines the classical and intuitive use of a transmission line matrix (TLM) while striving for consistency with the guideposts demanded by quantum mechanics and the essential structure of electromagnetic theory. The matrix then becomes a useful vehicle for examining both coherent and noncoherent electromagnetic waves. The goal is a mathematical tool capable of solving problems related to the propagation of transient, high-speed, complex waveforms containing both symmetric and plane wave components. For such waveforms, standard classical electromagnetic theory is unable to provide a truly accurate solution since it does not properly account for the correlations among the various TLM cells. The correlations among neighboring TLM cells allow the cell waves to sense one another and to collectively participate as a coherent wave.For arbitrary signals, e.g., complex, high speed, highly non-uniform signals, the correlation model must be placed on a firmer footing to insure the proper correlation strength based on the close adherence to quantum mechanical principles. The purpose of the Third Edition is to thereby improve the correlation model, and incorporate the model into the simulations. The simulation results thus obtained show great promise in describing the full range of electromagnetic phenomena. Wave divergence and diffraction simulations, employing both composite and shorter range correlation models, have been incorporated. The models employ correlation coefficients which may be linked with quantum mechanical parameters, thus providing a deeper understanding of coherent wave fronts.