Computation of effective propagation parameters in the optical domain with a finite difference time domain method

The study of optical scattering by heterogeneous media is a complex topic where homogenization is very helpful and rigorous methods are useful. Finite difference time domain (FDTD) method coupled with Monte Carlo process is used to compute the effective parameters of heterogeneous media. Effective parameters based on the coherent field propagation of a beam in the medium are determined in bidimensional geometry and for both polarizations. It is applied to media composed of small particles embedded in an host medium, for relevant ranges of particle sizes and optical constants for both binder and particles. The results are compared to the Maxwell–Garnett and Bruggeman mixing laws and the Foldy–Twersky and Keller perturbative approximations, leading to the assessment of their validity domain.