@fieldsolver: We use the scalar wave equation to simulate diffraction of an incoming plane wave through a glass sphere of refractive index n=1.5. The propagation velocity is c=1 outside the sphere and c=1/n~0.66 inside the sphere, generating refraction when the wavefront reaches the sphere. We see three different phenomena: reflection off the sphere, bouncing inside the sphere (this process is technically infinite) and diffraction both inside and outside the sphere. We can also notice some kind of focusing effect towards the right edge of the sphere. The domain is periodic with size 2x2 but cropped to 1x1 to prevent the re-entry of waves. The wavelength is chosen to be λ=0.05 and the sphere radius is R=0.2. We have chosen a timestep of dt=1e-3. #physics #mathematics #differentialequations #calculus #visualization #numericalmethods #simulation #diffraction #waves

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Sunday 01 February 2026 19:39:56 GMT