A statistical study of scattering in periodic and random helix layers

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims at providing information on scattering in layers composed of periodic and non‐periodic arrangements of small metal helices. Metal helices exhibit a pronounced resonance and are thus very effective scatterers.

Design/methodology/approach

Scattering is expressed in terms of multipole moments. Non‐periodic layers are investigated using the combination of periodic boundary conditions for sample configurations and averaging many of these configurations. The results and the methodology are compared to the well‐known Clausius‐Mossotti (CM) mixing rule and the assumptions and concepts therein. This is done to deepen the understanding of the scattering behavior.

Findings

The investigations show that only few multipole contributions are necessary to model the interaction correctly.

Originality/value

A systematic comparison of a full‐wave scattering theory and the fast CM mixing theory is conducted, providing some physical insight. From this, conclusions on the validity of the mixing approach are drawn.

Citation

Meiners, C. and Jacob, A.F. (2011), "A statistical study of scattering in periodic and random helix layers", COMPEL - The international journal for computation and mathematics in electrical and electronic engineering, Vol. 30 No. 4, pp. 1162-1175. https://doi.org/10.1108/03321641111133109