volume | PIER Journals

2010-04-15

Efficient 4x4 Propagation Matrix Method Using a Fourth-Order Symplectic Integrator for the Optics of One-Dimensional Continuous Inhomogeneous Materials

Zhao Lu

Dr. Zhao Lu

Cornell University

USA

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Progress In Electromagnetics Research Letters, Vol. 14, 1-9, 2010

doi:10.2528/PIERL10031501

Abstract

Understanding the propagation of light in continuous inhomogeneous materials is important to design optical structures and devices. To have accurately numerical calculations Berreman's 4×4 propagation matrix method is generally used, and layer approximation, i.e., the whole one-dimensional continuous inhomogeneous material is divided into many small homogeneous layers, is assumed. However, this layer approximation is only correct up to the second-order of the layer thickness. To efficiently solve Berreman's first-order differential equation, a simple fourth-order symplectic integrator is presented. The efficiency of the fourth-order symplectic integrator was studied for a cholesteric liquid crystal. Numerical results of reflectance spectra show that the fourth-order symplectic integrator is highly efficient in contrast to the extensively used fast 4×4 propagation matrix.

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Zhao Lu, "Efficient 4x4 Propagation Matrix Method Using a Fourth-Order Symplectic Integrator for the Optics of One-Dimensional Continuous Inhomogeneous Materials," Progress In Electromagnetics Research Letters, Vol. 14, 1-9, 2010.
doi:10.2528/PIERL10031501

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