Hybrid methods based on generalized scattering matrices

A general hybrid technique based on the use of generalized scattering matrices is presented for the electromagnetic analysis of complex antenna and/or scattering problems. The analysis domain is decomposed into separate subdomains, which are independently studied through the most appropriate technique and characterized by a generalized scattering matrix (GSM), where the ports are associated with a proper set of wave objects. Finally, the interactions among the subdomains are described by imposing the proper subdomain connections. Two particular implementations of the general technique are illustrated. In the first one, the wave objects are complex point source (CPS) beams. Thanks to the angular selectivity of the CPS beams, only a small fraction of the beams are involved in the final system, thus, leading to an efficient numerical procedure. In the second one, spherical waves are used as wave objects. This choice offers the advantage of direct interfaceability with the output of spherical near-field measurements or numerical simulations. © 2011 IEEE.