Mode matching methods for spectral and scattering problems

TL;DR

This paper explores mode matching methods in spectral and scattering problems, demonstrating eigenfunction localization in perforated domains and wave transmission through barriers, revealing new insights into wave behavior in complex geometries.

Contribution

It introduces novel applications of mode matching methods to eigenvalue localization and wave transmission in perforated cylindrical domains, extending existing theories.

Findings

Eigenfunctions localize in larger subdomains with small holes

Low-frequency waves can fully transmit through multiple barriers

Single barriers with small holes fully reflect low-frequency waves

Abstract

We present several applications of mode matching methods in spectral and scattering problems. First, we consider the eigenvalue problem for the Dirichlet Laplacian in a finite cylindrical domain that is split into two subdomains by a "perforated" barrier. We prove that the first eigenfunction is localized in the larger subdomain, i.e., its $L_2$ norm in the smaller subdomain can be made arbitrarily small by setting the diameter of the "holes" in the barrier small enough. This result extends the well known localization of Laplacian eigenfunctions in dumbbell domains. We also discuss an extension to noncylindrical domains with radial symmetry. Second, we study a scattering problem in an infinite cylindrical domain with two identical perforated barriers. If the holes are small, there exists a low frequency at which an incident wave is fully transmitted through both barriers. This result is counter-intuitive as a single barrier with the same holes would fully reflect incident waves with low frequences.