Error estimates for a mixed finite element method for the Maxwell’s transmission eigenvalue problem

In this paper, we analyze a numerical method combining the Ciarlet-Raviart mixed finite element formulation and an iterative algorithm for the Maxwell’s transmission eigenvalue problem. The eigenvalue problem is first written as a nonlinear quad-curl eigenvalue problem. Then the real transmission eigenvalues are proved to be the roots of a non-linear function. They are the generalized eigenvalues of a related linear self-adjoint quad-curl eigenvalue problem. These generalized eigenvalues are computed by a mixed finite element method. We derive the error estimates using the spectral approximation of compact operators, the theory of mixed finite element method for quad-curl problems, and the derivatives of eigenvalues.