FDTD and PSTD simulations for plasma applications

Three-dimensional finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) and pseudospectral t ime-domain (PSTD) algorithms, with perfectly matched layer absorbing bounda ry condition, are presented for nonmagnetized plasma as a special case of g eneral inhomogeneous, dispersive, conductive media. The algorithms are test ed for three typical frequency bands, and an excellent agreement between th e FDTD/PSTD numerical results and analytical solutions is obtained for all cases. Several applications, such as laser-pulse propagation in plasma holl ow channels, surface-wave propagation along a plasma column of finite lengt h, and energy deposition of electron cyclotron resonance plasma source, dem onstrate the capability and effectiveness of these algorithms. The PSTD alg orithm is more efficient and accurate than the FDTD algorithm, and is suita ble for large-scale problems, while the FDTD algorithm is more suitable for fine details. The numerical results also show that plasma has complex tran sient responses, especially in the low-frequency and resonance regimes, Bec ause of their flexibility and generality, the algorithms and computer progr ams can be used to simulate various electromagnetic waves-plasma interactio ns with complex geometry and medium properties, both in time and frequency domains.