Finite element Maxwell equation solutions in the time domain using a second order equation

The authors present an approach for the finite-element solution of the time-dependent Maxwell equations which uses the second-order wave equation for either E alone. This formulation retains all the conventional advantages of finite elements without the complications of dual grids and space-staggered physical quantities. Further, exact satisfaction of boundary conditions at media interfaces can be directly imposed. This leads to a numerical solution that can be determined at any point within the computational domain via the mathematical framework of the formulation (i.e. the chosen basis function), thus removing the need for any extrapolation or arbitrary interpolation. Time-domain solutions are compared with their frequency-domain counterparts for concentric cylinders containing distinct electrical properties.<>