Global mesh settings can ignore small details. Use a local Mesh Restriction Region (found under the Simulation menu) over thin layers, gaps, or material interfaces to force fine spatial resolution where fields shift rapidly.
In this example, we will simulate a dielectric waveguide using Lumerical FDTD. The waveguide has a width of 500 nm and a height of 200 nm, and is made of a material with a refractive index of 3.4. The waveguide is excited by a Gaussian beam with a wavelength of 1550 nm.
This panel tracks everything inside your simulation environment, including geometries, simulation regions, sources, and monitors.
Lumerical FDTD (Finite-Difference Time-Domain) is the industry-standard simulation tool for designing and analyzing nanophotonic devices. It solves Maxwell’s equations in complex geometries and is widely used for simulating integrated optics, metamaterials, LEDs, and solar cells.
Illuminates the entire simulation area uniformly. Ideal for metasurfaces, solar cells, and thin-film stacks.
[1. Define Materials] ➔ [2. Build Geometry] ➔ [3. Configure FDTD Region] ➔ [4. Add Sources & Monitors] ➔ [5. Run & Analyze] Step 1: Material Selection Open the icon. Choose from preset materials (e.g., (Silicon) - Palik, SiO2cap S i cap O sub 2
The auto-shutoff limit was hit too early because light is trapped in high-Q cavities. Lower the auto-shutoff threshold limit to 10-610 to the negative 6 power or switch to the .
Always assign materials directly to the geometric structures. Step 3: Configure the FDTD Simulation Region Click the button to drop the simulation box.
Structures are built using geometric primitives or custom scripts. Click the dropdown menu.
Do not shrink the entire simulation grid just to resolve a tiny feature. Place a localized Mesh Override Region over critical interfaces (like a thin slot waveguide) to keep the global simulation running fast.
) and calculates transmission/reflection via Poynting vector integration.
If you are working on a specific device, let me know its (e.g., ring resonator, grating coupler, metasurface), your target materials , or the specific error message you are facing so I can generate a tailored script or troubleshooting path. Share public link