Optimization of Antenna Designs Using the FDTD Simulation Method Enhanced with the Subcell Modeling Technique

This article demonstrates the capability of using the finite-differences time-domain (FDTD) method as simulation tool for optimizing the design of an antenna. The FDTD simulation method is locally enhanced with subcell modeling technique, which incorporates a-priori known field behavior in (1) curved material interfaces and (2) strong field gradients near sharp metal edges. Combining the FDTD subcell modeling technique with a FDTD simulation hardware acceleration card enables the efficient optimization of several parameters based on genetic algorithms.