Computer-aided understanding of electromagnetic modes in a high-index dielectric disk

Abstract Harmonic oscillations, which occur in systems such as spring-mass or LC oscillators, are basic and important contents in college physics courses. To deepen the college students’ understanding of such knowledge, we extend the harmonic oscillations from mechanical and electric systems to their optical counterparts. Using a high-index dielectric disk as an example, the magnetic resonance, (i.e. the harmonic oscillation of the electromagnetic modes trapped near the dielectric disk), are studied. The resonance frequency as a function of disk sizes and permittivity is obtained. The theoretical result is compared with the computer simulations and an agreement between them is achieved. This research may offer college students a unified way of understanding and solving resonances in various systems.