A Split-Step FDTD Method for 3-D Maxwell's Equations in General Anisotropic Media

A split-step finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method is presented for 3-D Maxwell's equations in general anisotropic media. The general anisotropic media can be characterized by full permittivity and permeability tensors. Stability analysis of the proposed split-step FDTD method using the Fourier method is presented. The eigenvalues of the Fourier amplification matrix are numerically shown to have unity magnitude even for time steps greater than the Courant limit time step, thereby illustrating the stable and non-dissipative nature of the split-step FDTD method in general anisotropic media. Numerical results are presented to further validate the accuracy and stability of the proposed split-step FDTD method in general anisotropic media.