B-CALM: An open-source GPU-based 3D-FDTD with multi-pole dispersion for plasmonics

Abstract

Numerical calculations with finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) on metallic nanostructures in a broad optical spectrum require an accurate approximation of the permittivity of dispersive materials. In this paper, we present the algorithms behind B-CALM (Belgium-California Light Machine), an open-source 3D-FDTD solver operating on Graphical Processing Units with multi-pole dispersion models. Our modified architecture shows a reduction in computing times for multi-pole dispersion models.We benchmark B-CALM by computing the absorption efficiency of ametallic nanosphere on a broad spectral range with a six-poles Drude-Lorentz model and compare it with Mie theory. © Springer Science+Business Media, LLC. 2011.