Transient fields in oblique scattering from an infinite planar dielectric interface -- a qubit lattice simulation

TL;DR

This paper uses a qubit lattice algorithm to simulate the time-dependent electromagnetic fields during oblique scattering at a dielectric interface, revealing detailed wavefront behaviors and energy conservation.

Contribution

It introduces an initial value algorithm with a nearly unitary qubit lattice approach to analyze electromagnetic scattering at dielectric interfaces.

Findings

Reflected pulses maintain Gaussian shape.

Transmitted pulses show Gaussian and Huygen-like wavefronts.

Energy is well conserved in the simulations.

Abstract

An initial value algorithm is utilized to examine the time dependent evolution of the electromagnetic fields arising from oblique scattering of bounded pulses from an infinite planar dielectric interface. Since the qubit lattice algorithm (QLA) is almost fully unitary, one finds excellent conservation of electromagnetic energy. Various Gaussian envelope pulses are considered in regimes where the incident angle is below that needed for total internal reflection. While the reflected pulse retains its overall Gaussian shape, the transmitted pulse exhibits a combination of a Gaussian envelope along with Huygen-like emitted wave fronts from the collision point of the initial pulse with the infinite dielectric interface. The strength of these Huygen wavefronts depends on the width of the incident pulse.