FDTD-Based Dipole Antenna Simulation with Computational Implementation

This documentation presents the simulation of a dipole antenna employing the Finite-Difference Time-Domain (FDTD) computational method. The FDTD algorithm discretizes Maxwell's equations using central-difference approximations in both time and spatial domains, implementing a staggered grid configuration (Yee lattice) where electric and magnetic field components are sampled at alternating positions. Key implementation aspects include: - Perfectly Matched Layer (PML) boundary conditions for absorbing outgoing waves - Voltage source excitation modeling through hard-wired field injections - Field update equations using leapfrog time-stepping with Courant-Friedrichs-Lewy stability criterion - Near-field to far-field transformation for radiation pattern calculation The simulation enables comprehensive analysis of antenna characteristics including 3D radiation patterns, input impedance via time-domain reflection coefficient monitoring, gain calculations, and current distribution visualization. The FDTD approach provides a robust framework for optimizing dipole antenna performance across various operational frequencies and geometrical configurations through parametric sweeping and iterative refinement.