7.2    Conformal FDTD algorithm parameters

QuickWave delivers an advanced tool for viewing the so called LC matrices. The LC matrices are the coefficients describing the properties of the cells for the purpose of electromagnetic simulation, needed for conformal FDTD updating of every field component of the analysed structure. The LC matrices are generated in the pre-processing stage of the simulation. The LC coefficients are calculated on the base of shape and material filling of each of the cells. Cx, Cy and Cz correspond to consecutive E-field components while Lx, Ly and Lz to consecutive H-field components. In the case of uniform cubic mesh in a region filled with vacuum all these components should be equal to 1.0.

The feature allowing viewing the LC matrices is called Test LC and is available in the Test Mesh window of QW-Simulator. The Test LC feature is a very advanced option and is not intended for a typical user. It is intended to serve in QW-Simulator debugging and for some advanced and specialised applications.

The LC matrices display in Test Mesh window contains a lot of information displayed within the area of one FDTD cell. In the case of complicated medium such information may be difficult to follow even for people with advanced knowledge. For that reason, the LC Drawing Options dialogue, where the user can restrict the Test LC display to the information he considers relevant, is available.