Local spectral time-domain method for electromagnetic wave propagation.

We explore the feasibility of using a local spectral time-domain (LSTD) method to solve Maxwell's equations that arise in optical and electromagnetic applications. The discrete singular convolution (DSC) algorithm is implemented in the LSTD method for spatial derivatives. Fourier analysis of the dispersive error of the DSC algorithm indicates that its grid density requirement for accurate simulations can be as low as approximately two grid points per wavelength. The analysis is further confirmed by numerical experiments. Our study reveals that the LSTD method has the potential to yield high resolution for solving large-scale electromagnetic problems.