Discrete dipole approximation

In the discrete dipole approximation, a larger object is approximated in terms of discrete radiating electric dipoles.

Discrete dipole approximation (DDA), also known as coupled dipole approximation,[1] is a method for computing scattering of radiation by particles of arbitrary shape and by periodic structures. Given a target of arbitrary geometry, one seeks to calculate its scattering and absorption properties by an approximation of the continuum target by a finite array of small polarizable dipoles. This technique is used in a variety of applications including nanophotonics, radar scattering, aerosol physics and astrophysics.



Magnitude of the electric field strength (colored) and the Poynting vector (black arrows) in the near field of the vertically oriented dipole in the image plane. Blue/red colors indicate an electric field oriented downwards/upwards.
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