Solutions of plasmonic structures using the multilevel fast multipole algorithm

We consider accurate full-wave solutions of plasmonic problems using the multilevel fast multipole algorithm (MLFMA). Metallic structures at optical frequencies are modeled by using the Lorentz-Drude model, formulated with surface integral equations, and analyzed iteratively via MLFMA. Among alternative choices, the electric and magnetic current combined-field integral equation (JMCFIE) and the combined tangential formulation (CTF), which are popular integral-equation formulations for penetrable objects, are discretized with the conventional Rao-Wilton-Glisson functions and used to model plasmonic structures. We discuss electromagnetic interactions in plasmonic media and show how far-field interactions may be omitted for improving the efficiency without sacrificing the accuracy of results. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J RF and Microwave CAE 26:335-341, 2016.