use ExternalField to load a wave at t=0 only

[fyli16]

Hi, I want to load a wave across the domain at t=0 only and then let the wave self-consistently evolve according to the field solver at t>0. I tried using ExternalField for this purpose, but it looks like that this module only accepts spatial wave profile not space time profile. A spatial profile corresponds to a static background field, not exactly what I wanted. Any suggestions? Thanks.

[mccoys]

The ExternalField is really an initial field so it should be good for your situation

[fyli16]

So ExternalField will evolve according to the field solver at t>= dt (dt is the timestep size)?

A relevant question -- if I am trying to simulate the magnetosphere plasma under a static dipole background B field, which module should I use for the dipole background field, ExternalField or PrescribedField?

[Z10Frank]

An External Field should evolve physically if the E and B fields are self-consistently initialised at t=0 (remember that the B is shifted in time).
I used this method to initialise a laser pulse directly in the window, although the result is never perfect due to the discretisation of the equations.
This works only if there are no sources for those fields, i.e. their divergence is zero.

[mccoys]

I think it should be ok for the dipole situation but I have honestly never tried