CHAPTER 10

PROPAGATION & REFLECTION

OF PLANE WAVES
10.0 PROPAGATION & REFLECTION OF PLANE WAVES
10.1 ELECTRIC AND MAGNETIC FIELDS FOR PLANE WAVE
10.2 PLANE WAVE IN LOSSY DIELECTRICS – IMPERFECT DIELECTRICS
10.3 PLANE WAVE IN LOSSLESS (PERFECT) DIELECTRICS
10.4 PLANE WAVE IN FREE SPACE
10.5 PLANE WAVE IN CONDUCTORS
10.6 POWER AND THE POYNTING VECTOR

1
 10.0 PROPAGATION & REFLECTION OF
PLANE WAVES
Will discuss the effect of propagation of EM wave in four medium :
Free space ; Lossy dielectric ; Lossless dielectric (perfect
dielectric) and Conducting media.
Also will be discussed the phenomena of reflections at interface between
different media.
Ex : EM wave is radio wave, TV signal, radar radiation and optical wave in
optical fiber.

Three basics characteristics of EM wave :

- travel at high velocity
- travel following EM wave characteristics
- travel outward from the source

These propagation phenomena for a type traveling wave called

plane wave can be explained or derived by Maxwell’s equations.
10.1 ELECTRIC AND MAGNETIC FIELDS FOR
PLANE WAVE

From Maxwell’s equations :

∂B ∂H
∇ E - - 
∂t ∂t
∂D ∂E
∇ H J  J  
∂t ∂t
∇  D  v
∇  B 0
 Assume the medium is free of charge :  v 0, J 0
∂H
∇ E -  (1)
∂t
∂E
∇ H  ( 2)
∂t
∇  D 0 (3)
∇  B 0 ( 4)
From vector identity and taking
the curl of (1)and substituting
 ∂H 
(1) and (2) ∇  -   -∇ 2 E
 ∂t 
∇ (∇ E ) ∇(∇  E ) -∇ 2 E
∂
→ ∇ 2 E  (∇ H )
where ∇(∇  E ) 0 ∂t

∴ ∇ E 
2 ∂2E
∂t 2
ie Helmholtz ' s equation for electric field
 Similarly in the same way, from
∂2E vector identity and taking the
∇ E 
2
Vm 3

∂t 2 curl of (2)and substituting (1)

and (2)
In Cartesian coordinates :
∂2H 3
∇ H  
2
Am
2 E ∂ 2 E ∂ 2 E ∂2E ∂t 2
2
 2  2  2
x ∂y ∂z ∂t
Assume that :
(i) Electric field only has x component
(ii) Propagate in the z direction

∂ 2 Ex ∂ 2 Ex
2

∂z ∂t 2
 ∂ 2 Ex ∂ 2 Ex
2

∂z ∂t 2

The solution for this equation :

E x E x cos(t -  z )  E x- cos(t   z )
Incidence wave propagate Reflected wave propagate
in +z direction in -z direction

To find H field : ∂H
∇ E -
∂t
∂E x ∂E x
∇ E  yˆ - zˆ
∂z ∂y
 E x sin(t -  z ) -  E x- sin(t   z )yˆ
On the right side ∂H  ∂H x ∂H y ∂H z 
equation : - -  xˆ  yˆ  zˆ 
∂t  ∂t ∂t ∂t 

Equating components on both side = y component

∂H y
-
∂t

  E x sin(t -  z ) -  E x- sin(t   z ) 
 E x  E x-
- H y ∫ sin(t -  z )dt -  sin(t   z ) dt
 
   -
- E x cos(t -  z )  E x cos(t   z )
 
  
Hy  E x cos(t -  z ) - E x - cos(t   z )
 
H y cos(t -  z ) - H y- cos(t   z )
 Hence :

E x E x cos(t -  z )  E x- cos(t   z )
H y H y cos(t -  z ) - H y- cos(t   z )

These equations of EM wave are called PLANE WAVE.

Main characteristics of EM wave :

(i) Electric field and magnetic field always perpendicular.
(ii) NO electric or magnetic fields component in the direction of
propagation.
(iii) E H will provides information on the direction of
propagation.
 10.2 PLANE WAVE IN LOSSY DIELECTRICS –
IMPERFECT DIELECTRICS
 0 ;   0  r ;   0 r
Assume a media is charged free , ρv =0
∂D
∇ H  J    j E (1)
∂t
∂B
∇ E - - jH (2)
∂t

Taking the curl of (2) :

∇ ∇ E - j ∇ H 
 ∇ ∇ A ∇∇  A -∇2 A
From vector ∂D
identity : ∇ H  J    j E (1)
∂t
∂B
∇ E - - jH (2)
∂t
∇∇  E -∇2 E - j   j E ∇ ∇ E - j ∇ H 
∇ 2 E - j   j E 0
∇ 2 E -  2 E 0 Equating (4) and (5) for Re
and Im parts :
Where :
  j   j 
2  2 -  2 - 2  (Re) (6)
(4)
-   j
2 2  (Im) (7)

 propagation constant

Define :
   j
 2  2 -  2  2 j (5)
Magnitude for (5) ;
Add (10) and (6) :
   
2 2 2
(8)
Hence :
Magnitude for (4) ; 2 2   2   2 -  2 
  -      
2
2 2 2
 2
 2  1  2 2 -  2 

  2   2 (9)
 2   2 
Equate (8) and (9) :  
2
 1  2 2 - 1
2   
 2   2   2   2 (10)
  2 
   1  2 2 - 1 Np / m (11)
 2 -  2 - 2  (Re) (6) 2   
 is known as attenuation constant as a
measure of the wave is attenuated while
traveling in a medium.
Substract (10) and (6) :

2  2   2   2   2 

  2 
   1  2 2  1 rad / m (12)
2    

 is phase constant

If the electric field propagate in +z direction and has component x,

the equation of the wave is given by :

E ( z , t )  E0 e -z
cost -  z xˆ (13)

And the magnetic field :

H ( z , t ) H 0 e -z cost -  z -  yˆ (14)

 E0 E ( z , t ) E0 e -z cost -  z xˆ (14)
where ; H0  (15)
 H ( z , t ) H 0 e -z cost - z -  yˆ (15)

Intrinsic impedance :
j j
  ∠  e  , () (16)
  j

where ;  / 
  , tan 2  , 0 ≤  ≤ 450
     2 1/ 4  (17)
1    
    

Conclusions that can be made for the wave propagating in lossy

dielectrics material :
-z
(i) E and H fields amplitude will be attenuated by e
(ii) E leading H by 
  / 
Wave velocity ;   , tan 2  , 0 ≤  ≤ 450 (17)
    
2 1/ 4

 1    
u  /  ;  2 /      

Loss tangent ; From (17) and (18)

J  2
E 
  tan  (18)
Jd jE 

Loss tangent values will determine types of media :

tan θ small (σ / ωε < 0.1) – good dielectric – low loss
tan θ large (σ /ωε > 10 ) - good conductor – high loss

Another factor that determined the characteristic of the media is operating

frequency. A medium can be regarded as a good conductor at low
frequency might be a good dielectric at higher frequency.
E ( z , t ) E0 e -z cost -  z xˆ
E0
H0 

(14)
E0 e -z e jt - z xˆ
H ( z , t ) H 0 e -z cost -  z -  yˆ
(15)
E0 jt -  z - 
 e -z e yˆ


Graphical representation of E field in lossy dielectric

E0 x E ( z , t ) E0 e -z cost -  z xˆ

e  z

y
10.3 PLANE WAVE IN LOSSLESS (PERFECT) DIELECTRICS

Characteristics:  0,   0 r ,   0  r (19)

  2 
Substitute in (11) and (12) :    1  - 1 Np / m (11)
2  
2 2


 
 0,    (20)  

 1 
2
 1 rad / m (12)
2   2 2 

 1 2 j
u  ,  (21) 
j
 ∠  e  , ()
     j

 o
  0 (22)


The zero angle means that E and H fields are in phase at each
fixed location.
 10.4 PLANE WAVE IN FREE SPACE
Free space is nothing more than the perfect dielectric media :

Characteristics:  0,   0 ,   0 (23)  0,    (20)

Substitute in (20) and (21) :
 1 2
u  ,  (21)
  
 0 ,   0 0  / c (24)

 1 2   0o (22)
u  c ,   (25)

  0 0 
where
u c 3 108 m / s   0 4 10  7 H / m
1
0   0 8.854 10  12  10  9 F / m
  0  120  (26) 36
0
The field equations for E and H obtained :

E E0 cos(t - z ) xˆ (27) E ( z , t ) E0 e -z cost -  z xˆ (14)

H ( z , t ) H 0 e -z cost -  z -  yˆ (15)

E0
H  cos(t - z ) yˆ (28)
0

E and H fields and the direction of propagation :

x Generally :
kˆ  zˆ
Eˆ Hˆ kˆ
E x
+
kos(-z)

(at t = 0)
Hy+ kos(-z)
y
 10.5 PLANE WAVE IN CONDUCTORS

In conductors :    or →∞

With the characteristics :  ~  ∞,   0 ,   0  r (29)

Substitute in (11 and (12) :   2 

   1  - 1 Np / m (11)
 2  
2 2

    f (30)
2   2 
   1  2 2  1 rad / m (12)
 2   
  45o E leads H by 450 (31)
 j j
  ∠  e  , ()
  j
The field equations for E and H obtained :

E E0e-z cos(t - z ) xˆ (32)

E0
H  e-z cos(t - z - 45o ) yˆ (33)
0
 -z
It is seen that in conductors E and H waves are attenuated by e
From the diagram  is referred to as the skin depth. It refers to the
amplitude of the wave propagate to a conducting media is reduced to
e-1 or 37% from its initial value.

In a distance : E e - E e -1 It can be seen that at higher

0 0
frequencies  is decreasing.
∴  1 /  
1
f (34)

E0
0.368E0
z


 o
Ex.10.1 : A lossy dielectric has an intrinsic impedance of 200∠30  at the
particular frequency. If at that particular frequency a plane wave that propagate
in a medium has a magnetic field given by :
H 10e -x cos(t - x/2) yˆ A / m. Find E and  .

Solution : From intrinsic impedance, the magnitude

Eˆ Hˆ kˆ of E field :
E0
→ Eˆ yˆ  xˆ  200∠30o

∴ E - zˆ
H0
→ E0 2000∠30o

It is seen that E field leads H field :

 300  / 6

Hence : E -2000e -x cos(t - x / 2   / 6) zˆ (V / m)

 E -2000e -x cos(t - x / 2   / 6) zˆ (V / m)

To find  :
1/ 2



 1    2 
-1 
 
1  
 
 
2
 1
 
 tan 2 tan 600  3


∴ 
1/ 2
  2 -1  1
  ; and we know  1 / 2
  2  1 3

→  0.2887 Np / m
3
Hence:

E -2000e -0.2887 x cos(t - x / 2   / 6) zˆ (V / m)

 10.6 POWER AND THE POYNTING VECTOR
∂H
∇ E - (35)
∂t
∂E
∇ H E   (36)
∂t
Dot product (36) with E:
∂E
E  ∇ H  E  E  
2
(37)
∂t
From vector identity:

∇  A B  B  ∇ A - A  ∇ B  (38)

Change A H , B E in (37) and use (38) , equation (37) becomes :

∂E
H  ∇ E ∇  H E  E  E  
2
(39)
∂t
 ∂E
H  ∇ E ∇  H E  E  E  2
(39) ∇ E -
∂H
(35)
∂t ∂t
And from (35):

 ∂H   ∂
H  ∇ E  H   -   - HH (40)
 ∂t  2 ∂t
Therefore (39) becomes:

 ∂H 2 ∂E
- -∇  E H  E 2
E  (41) where:
2 ∂t ∂t ∇  H E  -∇  E H 

Integration (41) throughout volume v :

∂ 1 2 1 2
∫v ∇  E H 
dv - ∫   E  H  dv - ∫ E 2
dv (42)
∂t v  2 2  v
 ∂ 1 2 1 2
∫v ∇  E H 
dv - ∫   E  H  dv - ∫ E 2
dv (42)
∂t v  2 2  v

Using divergence theorem to (42):

∂ 1 2 1 2
∫s E H  dS - ∫   E  H  dv - ∫ E 2
dv (43)
∂t v  2 2  v

Total energy flow The decrease of the energy Dissipated

leaving the volume densities of energy stored ohmic power
in the electric and magnetic
fields

Equation (43) shows Poynting Theorem and can be

written as :
2
  E H W / m
Poynting theorem states that the total power flow leaving the volume
is equal to the decrease of the energy densities of energy stored in
the electric and magnetic fields and the dissipated ohmic power.

The theorem can be explained as shown in

the diagram below :
Output power

σ
Ohmic losses

J H
E
Stored electric Stored magnetic
field field

Input power
 Given for lossless dielectric, the electric and magnetic fields are :

E E0 cos(t - z ) xˆ
E0
H  cos(t - z ) yˆ

The Poynting vector becomes:

  E H W / m 2
E 20
 cos 2 (t - z ) yˆ

To find average power density :
Integrate Poynting vector and divide with interval T = 1/f :
T
1 E02
Pave  ∫ cos 2 (t   z ) dt
T 0

2 T
1 E

2T 
0
∫ 1  cos(2t - 2z )dt
0

1 E  2
1
T

 t 
0
sin( 2t - 2  z ) 
2T   2 0 

1 E02
 P ave  W / m2
2 

Average power 1 E02

through area S : P ave  S (W )
2 
Given for lossy dielectric, the electric and magnetic fields are :

E E0 e -z cos(t - z ) xˆ

E0
H  e -z cos(t -  z -  ) yˆ
0
The Poynting vector becomes:

E 20
 e  2z cos(t - z ) cos(t - z    )

Average power :
1 E02  2z
P ave  e cos
2 
Ex.10.2: A uniform plane wave propagate in a lossless dielectric in the
+z direction. The electric field is given by :
E ( z , t ) 377 cost  4 / 3z   / 6 xˆ (V / m)
2
The average power density measured was 377 W / m . Find:

(i) Dielectric constant of the material if   0

(ii) Wave frequency
(iii) Magnetic field equation

Solution:

(i) Average power :

1 E2
Pave  377
2 
1 (377) 2
377
2 
  377 / 2 188.5
 For lossless dielectric :

 0
 
  r 0
1 0
r  1.9986
 0
  r 4.0

E ( z , t ) 377 cost  4 / 3z   / 6xˆ (V / m)

(ii) Wave frequency :

 4 / 3   0
4

3  0
2f 3.9946 1016
 f 99.93 10 6 (100 MHz )
 E ( z , t ) 377 cost  4 / 3z   / 6 xˆ (V / m)

(iii) Magnetic field equation :

377
H ( z, t )  cos(t  (4 / 3) z   / 6) yˆ

2 cos(t  (4 / 3) z   / 6) yˆ ( A / m)