Practical implementation of the complex image method for the solution of nonplanar multilayered media problems

The complex image method has been widely discussed as an attractive method for obtaining closed-form representations of the spatial-domain Green's functions for layered media. This method is at least two orders of magnitude more efficient than numerical evaluation of the requisite Sommerfeld integrals, and is capable of very high accuracy. Researchers familiar with this method, however, are well aware of the serious challenges posed by it, which have often precluded its use in the development of practical, robust analysis codes. Various approaches are discussed for maintaining the utility of the method while maintaining its general applicability to the modeling of nonplanar scatterers residing in multilayered media. Numerical results obtained with a program based on these approaches are also presented. The cross-polarized microstrip dipole example demonstrates accurate characterization of the Green's function terms.