An explicit numerical scheme for the Sine-Gordon equation in 2+1 dimensions

The paper presents an explicit finite-difference method for the numerical solution of the Sine-Gordon equation in two space variables, as it arises, for example, in rectangular large-area Josephson junction. The dispersive nonlinear partial differential equation of the system allows for soliton-type solutions, an ubiquitous phenomenon in a large-variety of physical problems.

The method, which is based on fourth order rational approximants of the matrix-exponential term in a three-time level recurrence relation, after the application of finite-difference approximations, it leads finally to a second order initial value problem. Because of the existing sinus term this problem becomes nonlinear. To avoid solving the arising nonlinear system a new method based on a predictor-corrector scheme is applied. Both the nonlinear method and the predictor-corrector are analyzed for local truncation error, stability and convergence. Numerical solutions for cases involving the most known from the bibliography ring and line solitons are given. (© 2005 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)