Analysis of wave scattering by a lossy dielectric using single source surface integral equations

Wave scattering problems can be formulated in terms of integral equations satisfied by a single unknown surface current density, which are computationally more efficient than the classical coupled integral equations involving two unknown current densities. We consider the wave scattering by homogeneous, lossy dielectric cylinders whose material is characterized by a complex permittivity. The scattered field in the region outside the cylinder is expressed in terms of a single surface current density, while the field inside the cylinder is obtained by using a Kirchhoff representation involving the actual tangential components of the electric and magnetic fields. This single source surface integral equation is solved numerically by applying a point-matching moment method. Numerical results are presented for the radar cross section of lossy dielectric circular cylinders, with various sizes and permittivities, and are in good agreement with the corresponding results obtained from the analytical solution.