An Improved Discrete Complex Image Method Based on a Special Sampling Path

A special sampling path is proposed to improve the accuracy of the discrete complex image method (DCIM) in evaluating the lateral wave. Different from all the previous DCIM implementations, the proposed sampling path goes through the branch point directly, which helps to evaluate its contribution to the lateral wave more accurately. In this communication, different sampling paths of DCIM have been implemented and compared. It is found that in the situations where the lateral wave dominates the far-field region, DCIM with the new path gives more accurate and stable results.