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Notes on Electromagnetic Wave propagation
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22 views11 pagesEM Wave Propagation
Notes on Electromagnetic Wave propagation
Uploaded by
Himanshu SinghCopyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF or read online on Scribd
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NTheory \ Numerical IN Solved Examples \ Questionnaire
Unit-4
B
Electromagnetic
Wave Propagation
I ntroduction
he most remarkable achievement of Maxwell's equations was the prodiction of existence of
T electromagnetic waves. When Maxwell's equations are combined we get various wave equations that
predict the existence of electromagnetic waves propagating with the velocity of light in different media.
In general, wave means propagation of energy or informations. Electromagnetic energy has three
fundamental characteristics: They travel at high speed; assume the properties of waves and radiate
outward from a source.
In this present section, we shall focus our attention towards the simplest type of wave, that is, uniform
plane electromagnetic waves in various media. In fact a changing electric field produces a changing
magnetic field which in turn generates an electric field and so on with a resultant propagation of energy.
It means that a change in either field produces the other field. Maxwell achieved from his equations that
variation in electric and magnetic fields would lead to a wave consisting of fluctuating electric and
magnetic fields perpendicular to each other and also perpendicular to the direction of propagation of the
wave. These waves which can propagation in space even without any material medium are called
electromagnetic waves. A uniform plane electromagnetic wave is one in which the electric field E is a
function of one space coordinate (say x) and time coordinate (#) only and is independent of other two space
coordinates (say and 2), The electric and magnetic field vectors FE and H lie in a plane perpendicular to the
direction of propagation of wave. In addition, the amplitude and phase of E and H are constant or uniform 458
Electromagnetic Field Theory —==
over the plane in which they lie, The uniform plane wave is a transverse electromagnetic wave or TEM
wave. The behaviour of a wave depends on its own and the characteristics of the medium in which they
are propagating. First of all we shall derive wave equations and their solutions in free space (where
conductivity is zero, that is, ¢=0, €=ep and 1 =Xo); lossless or perfect dielectrics (where conductivity
6 =0, €=€, €9,U =H or G<>@6). For
the power consideration in a uniform plane wave we shall develop poynting theorem. The orthogonal
relationship between E, H and direction of propagation is always true for a uniform plane wave. The
directions of E and H within a plane perpendicular to the direction of propagation may change. Thus a
complete description of electromagnetic wave needs a statement of field v
of time, at a fixed position in space, in addition to the parameters like wavelengths, phase velocity and
‘tor orientation as a function
power, that is, the wave polarisation. Any polarisation state can be described in terms of mutually
perpendicular components of the electric field and their relative phasing. The wave polarisation will be
discuss in detail. The study of effect of discontinuity in the medium of propagation shall also be consider
in this part of study. We shall investigate the behaviour of electromagnetic waves in different
combinations of different types of media such as dielectric, conductors and combination of these. We
shall restrict to non-magnetic dielectrics. We consider ideally thin, infinitely plane interface between the
two linear, isotropic and homogeneous media.
E lectromagnetic Wave Equations in Different Media & Their Solutions
‘The general equations for electromagnetic wave propagation in a homogeneous, linear medium is one of
the most important consequences of Maxwell's equations. A medium is homogeneous if its properties do
not vary from point to point and a medium. is isotropic if its properties are same in all directions. To
demonstrate the existence of waves in the electromagnetic field and to derive vector wave equations
describing the propagation of waves, we start with Maxwell's field equations in material medium which
are as follows.
(l)
or V.F=0 2)
aB
= (3)
cul =f 422 @)
ot
together with Ohm's law
j-ok (5)
where o is the electrical conductivity of the medium,
For linear and isotropic medium,
D=eE (6) = Electromagnetic Wave Propagation
459
and Bap (7)
and for homogeneous medium, the dielectric constant and magnetic permeability pare constants.
The wave equation for E is derived by taking the curl of eqn. (3) as
23 (2 a8
Vx(Vx E)= (34) (8)
Substituting B =p Tin eqn. (8), we get
» > 9a >
V x(Vx 2 +pl (xi.
«Vx Bud Wx
Putting the value of curl FF (or V x Ff) from eqn. (4), we obtain
2 = ab
vx ee ee
Substituting the values of J and D in the above equation from eqns, (5) and (6), we get
ese ae
Vx(Vx £) —|oE+—(eE)|=
x(Vx sudo +e |
» > > E x
or Vx (Vx FE) +po rk pe OF = 9)
are
Using vector identity, A x (B x C) = (A.C) B-(A.B)C in eqn. (9) we get
SSP weave wey gat
V(V.E)-WE =-=0 10)
WB) suet eno (10)
Using eqn. (1) and substituting the value of D from eqn. (6), we get
V.D=p or ¥(ek)-p
or V.E=2
€
Substituting the above value of V.E in eqn. (10), we obtain
Ee
or 2.4 n
suo + ¥(G) an
Similarly by taking the curl of eqn. (4) and using eqns (5) and (6), we have
Vx(VxH) = VxJ+0/at(V xD)
Substituting the values of J’ and D from eqn. (5) and (6), we get
vv. Hi-0(VxB)+e 2.0 x2) 460 Electromagnetic Field Theory —==
Substituting the values of V.B from eqn. (2) and V x E from eqn. (3) in the above equation, we get
, > >
VW fi=-028. os
or
3 eu aH
or WH =we25 = 12
neta thos (12)
Equations (11) and (12) are the general wave equations in terms of electric and magnetic field vectors, E
and H which governing the electromagnetic field in a homogeneous, linear medium, whether the medium
is conducting or non-conducting. However, the electric vector E plays the dominant role in the
propagation of electromagnetic energy from one point to another. The first right hand side term of
ises due to electric displacement vector D, the second due to
conduction current and third due to space distribution of volume charge.
wave equation (11) in term of E a
(i) For a homogeneous isotropic dielectric or non-conducting medium in which the disturbance
propagates with the same velocity in all directions. That is,
p=0 and o=0
Therefore, eqns. (11) and (12) for non-conducting medium reduce to
Fy @E
WE =pe > 13)
hea (13)
a
and V?H =pe (14)
Oe
(ii) For a conducting medium in which there is, no net charge within a conductor because the charges
reside only on the surface. That is, p =0, but 6 #0, Therefore, eqns. (11) and (12) for conducting
medium reduce to
Fue®E yg 2 5
VE= = 15)
wes thes (15)
and w= oH, ot (16)
Bee Roe
For a free space in which there ate no charges, that is, no conduction current or ,p =0, 6 =0, € =e)
and =o. Thus free space may be consider as perfect dielectric, Therefore, eqns. (11) and (12) for
free space reduce to
VE = noe SF (7)
= 2H
and WH = 19 & <> 18)
Ho Sa (
Thus, the wave equations (11) and (12) are used to study the propagation of electromagnetic
waves in different media. = Electromagnetic Wave Propagation 461
For the solution of wave equations we shall adopt the method of complex variable.The time
dependence of the field E is taken to be e-/®*, therefore,
E (r= Eg (heim 19)
's(7) is in general complex so that the actual electric field which is obtained by taking real part of
eqn. (19) is proportional to cos (at + @), where @ is the phase of Es(r).
If eqn. (19) is the solution of eqn. (15), eqn. (19) must satisfy eqn. (15). Therefore, using eqn. (19)
and dropping common factor e-/*, we get
WEs +0 ep Es + joouks =0
[+ (@E/at) = — jaEs(r) 1 and @7E/dt?) (20)
Here the spatial electric field Ey depends on the space coordinates, that is, Es
For plane electromagnetic waves it is convenient to use
Es = Fd (21)
where & is the propagation wave vector defined as
> Inm or» >
K =* i =25, His a unit vector along propagation vector k
Thus, in the light of eqn. (21), eqn. (19) may be expressed as
EG aby eh? -00 (22)
Here Fy is complex amplitude and is constant in space and time
E lectromagnetic Wave Equations in Free Space
Let us derive the wave equation for an electrically free space or vacuum, containing neither free charge
nor conduction current that is, the charge density p=0, the current density J =0 and =e, =H
Hence D = eg£ and B =ppfi. In fact free space may be treated as perfect dielectric.
With these conditions, the Maxwell’s equations reduce to
¥.B=0 a)
V.B-0 V.H-0 (2)
> > ap
vx b= 8 3
4 (3)
23a
vxH=22 4
I (4)
Taking curl of eqn. (3) and substituting B =p H,we get 462 Electromagnetic Field Theory —==
seo are a>
Vx (VB) =— (Vx B) =o SUV xB)
Using vector identity, Ax (B x €) =(A.C)B ~ (ABYC, we obtain
do yo ee
V(V. E)- VE =-Hy &9 SF
(V.E) Mo & Sr
. a5 a5 ” PE
Since V.D=0 or V.E=0 weget, VE =1g%
Similary for plane wave equation in term of H, taking curl of eqn. (4) and substituting D
, o> 92> ae 9
Vx(Vxt = 2 WxB)-2(W xe9 B)
Using above vector identity and eqns. (2) and (3), we get,
=V? Fae 2 (0x8)
Fo 9 (VXE)
Using eqn (3) and substituting B =p F,we get
, eH
V? H =U €
Ho & Sa
Thus, the plane wave equations for Hand B are
7 eH
VW? H = ug %y SS (6)
Ho & Sr )
. eB
and VW? B=i & 7)
Ho &0 Sa (7)
Substituting E = D/eg in eqn. (5), we get plane wave equation for D as,
. aD
V? D =i &% > 8)
Ho 80 Sr (8)
The equations (5), (6), (7) and (8) represents wave equations governing electromagnetic fields E and Ff
in free space.
Equations (5) to. (8) are vector equations of identical form and if compared with general (classical) wave
equation of the form
gives the velocity of propagation of electromagnetic wave through free space as,
1 1
Wok fan x1077 «8.85 x10-
(2&9 =8.854 x10°!?C7/N-m? and lg =4m x 1077 N-sec?/C?)
= 2.998 x 108 m/sec = = Electromagnetic Wave Propagation 463
Thus, the electromagnetic waves in free space propagate with the velocity of light. This established that,
the light waves are also electromagnetic.
Therefore, equations (5) to (8) take the form
(9)
and
(10)
(1)
P ropagation of Uniform Plane Electromagnetic Waves in Vacuum
An electromagnetic wave is said to be a uniform plane wave if it propagates only along one space
coordinate and is independent of other two space coordinates, the amplitude and phase of their field
vectors E and H are uniform or constant over the whole plane perpendicular to the direction of
propagation. Thus, a wave which is independent of x and y, and is a function of z and ¢ only is said to be
a uniform plane wave. Therefore for a uniform plane wave travelling in z~ direction, we have
E=E(t) and H=H(,) (1)
The partial derivatives of components of E and H with respect to x and y is zero, ‘That is
aH, aH,
=0 and [2
a ay
Hence, Maxwell's first equation for plane wave reduce to,
div E =0, that is, 0 or E, is constant in space 2)
Similarly, second equation yields
divH =0, thatis, uh =0 or H, is constant in space 6)
7
Equations (2) and (3) show that E, and H, cannot be a function of z which is the direction of
propagation, It means that E, and H, are constant in z~ direction, ‘Thus, they represent static
components and consequently, no part of wave equation, Therefore, we shall have,
E, =H, =0 (4)
Hence, the field vectors E and H have only x and_y components, that is,
a, Ey + ayEy (5)
and H= ay Hy + ay Hy (6)
Therefore E and H do not have any z-component, the z— direction being the direction of propagation,
both these field vectors are perpendicular to the direction of propagation. So, Maxwell's
electromagnetic waves are purely transverse, 464,
Electromagnetic Field Theory —==
‘Third Maxwell equation for free Space is
S228 oy Oy Pe, al Feu Fe
Vx b= — 2 or Bx E=—py 2 1B =p H for free space) ..(7)
B= 8 or VE =—ny (© B =p Hfor free space) (7)
In determinant form above equation is expressed as,
a, ay
VxE2 2
jar
EE
a
or a, (2 > ea, (8)
ya Es
For uniform plane wave
-0.2-2
ey
‘Thus, eqn (8) for uniform plane wave reduces to
a, e244, ee (9)
EO
On equating components separately, we get.
aE aE
- oy = (10)
3
(uy
and (12)
Similarly, from fourth Maxwell's equation for free space, that is,
> > OF
Vx He) 2=
xH=e 2
. (aH, ®Hy) . (aH, aH,).. (®Ay an, . o£, , %y . ae,
7 4, {%#e Ly atte), ts) gl, Beg, eg 2] as
° 3. (@ = +2, (2 =) Ly) ae ae eae fl)
For uniform plane wave, H, =0 and 2 =
ae
‘Thus eqn. (13) for uniform plane wave reduces to
aH aE
ee ee a, 0g Mes ty ey 4a (14)
ae Oe a a
(On equating the components separately, we get
(15)
(16)
and (a7)
Differentiating eqn. (11) with respect to z and eqn. (15) wart. t, we get = Electromagnetic Wave Propagation 465
Hy 1s
ae Rear (1s)
d eu 19)
a ‘arde ‘
(20)
Similarly, differentiating eqn. (10) w.r.tz and eqn. (16) wart, f, we get
ve 2
J ayy oe (21)
deat
2H, OE
and ne y 22
aca oF em
Substituting the value of 8” H,, /8z at from eqn. (22) in eqn. (21), we get
(23)
Plane wave differential equations similar to eqns (20) and (23) are obtained for H components as,
#H, H,
TATE = thy. 5E 24)
Bez Ho oS (24)
OH, PH,
and ” = poe 2 25)
rs Hoto Se (25)
Thus, eqns (20), (23), (24) and (25) are the uniform plane wave equations for the propagation of y and x
components of E and H along z-axis with constant velocity in free space.
For simplicity, let us consider the coordinate axis such that y-axis is parallel to the field vector E and x—
axis parallel to the field vector H. Since Ey, is quite independent of Ey and H, is quite independent of
0,
H.,, Therefore, we can assume that E, =0 and Hy
Then, E
yy (est) (26)
and H=a, Hy (et) (27)
Since the field of our plane electromagnetic wave, in which we are interested, is a simple periodic
function of time. Therefore, in general the time dependence of E and His e"/** for single fixed frequency.
Hence we can write eqn. (26) as
Ey(e.t) = flee!" (28)
Since eqn. (28) is the solution of plane electromagnetic wave represented by eqn. (23), it must satisfy
eqn. (23), that is, 466
PS one
and differentiating eqn. (28) w.r.t, t, we get
ae -jot aE, Ds jt
FAI IEM and Palo? fee
7 #8 apace
Substituting the values of Ey /a2” and a in eqn. (23), we get
FI, J