Two Dimensional Electromagnetic Scattering form Dielectric Objects using Qubit Lattice Algorithm

TL;DR

This paper develops a qubit lattice algorithm to simulate two-dimensional electromagnetic scattering by dielectric objects, accurately reproducing Maxwell equations and providing physical insights into wave scattering phenomena.

Contribution

The paper introduces a novel Qubit Lattice Algorithm for 2D Maxwell equations that works effectively even when the discretization parameter is large.

Findings

QLA accurately reproduces Maxwell equations to second order

Simulations reveal dependence of scattering on dielectric transition layer

QLA remains effective for large discretization parameters

Abstract

A qubit lattice algorithm (QLA) is developed for Maxwell equations in a two-dimensional Cartesian geometry. In particular, the initial value problem of electromagnetic pulse scattering off a localized 2D dielectric object is considered. A matrix formulation of the Maxwell equations, using the Riemann-Silberstein-Weber vectors, forms a basis for the QLA and a possible unitary representation. The electromagnetic fields are discretized using a 16-qubit representation at each grid point. The discretized QLA equations reproduce Maxwell equations to second order in an appropriate expansion parameter $\epsilon$. The properties of scattered waves depend on the scale length of the transition layer separating the vacuum from the core of the dielectric. The time evolution of the fields gives interesting physical insight into scattering when propagating fields are excited within the dielectric medium. Furthermore, simulations show that the QLA recovers Maxwell equations even when $\epsilon \sim 1$.