Spectrum Transformation of Gaussian Pulse in Waveguide by FDTD and Its Effect on Analysis of Discontinuity Problem

An interesting, surprising phenomenon, spectrum transformation of Gaussian pulse propagating in waveguide, is revealed in this paper. It is found that the spectrum power of zero frequency of Gaussian pulse is changed into the spectrum power of cut-off frequency of H₁₀ mode in rectangular waveguide when FDTD simulation is implemented in the absence of nonlinear material in waveguide. The cause of the spectrum transformation is explained based on the mode field structure at cut-off. Its effect on the correctness of analyzing waveguide discontinuity problem is presented too.