Waveguide Truncation Using UPML in the Finite-Element Time-Domain Method

An important part of numerical waveguide modeling is the termination of the waveguide using artificial boundaries. In this paper we develop a perfectly matched layer (PML) for waveguides in the finite-element time-domain method (FETD). The PML is discretized by prism elements aligned with the direction of propagation of the waveguide. Assuming that the waveguide is discretized by tetrahedra such a grid is easily generated from a cross-sectional surface in the waveguide. The proposed method has the advantage of being general with regard to the geometry and material of the waveguide. Previous works on PML for FETD have reported problems with late-time instability. While still present in the current approach, our results indicate that the instability is less severe for the prism element PML compared to a tetrahedral PML. Moreover, it may be controlled by increasing the number of grid points in the absorbing layer. It should be noted that the instability appears long after the energy has been attenuated and therefore pose no problems in practical computations. The performance of the suggested scheme is demonstrated for several waveguide problems, including an inhomogeneous case.