Closed-form analytical solution for the transfer matrix based on Pendry-MacKinnon discrete Maxwell's equations

Abstract

Pendry and MacKinnon meaningful discretization of Maxwell's equations was put forward specifically as part of a finite-element numerical algorithm. By contrast with a numerical approach, in the same spirit evoked by the relationships between the difference and the differential equations, we provide an analytical solution for the transfer matrix elements generated by this discretization of Maxwell's equations. The method, valid for all modes and any non-magnetic pattern with frequency-dependent permittivities, is exemplified for a bilaminar structure. The results from hundreds of path-operators simplify to a small number of propagation channels, which transfer the electromagnetic field between input and output. A specific bilaminar device is design-optimized and used to generate a topological map from permittivities to the number of modes and very high Q-factor resonances.