Semi-orthogonal versus orthogonal wavelet basis sets for solving integral equations

The two categories of wavelets, orthogonal and semi-orthogonal, are compared and it is shown that the semi-orthogonal wavelet is best suited for integral equation applications. The Battle-Lemarie orthogonal wavelet and the spline generated semi-orthogonal wavelet are each used to solve for the current distribution on an infinite strip illuminated by a transverse magnetic (TM) plane wave and a straight thin wire illuminated by a normally incident plane wave. The grounds for comparison are accuracy in characterizing the current, matrix sparsity, computation time, and singularity extraction capability. The limitations and advantages of solving integral equations with each of the two wavelet categories are discussed.