1

PROPAGATION & REFLECTION

OF PLANE WAVES
CHAPTER 10
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
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 :
These propagation phenomena for a type traveling wave called
plane wave can be explained or derived by Maxwells equations.
- travel at high velocity
- travel following EM wave characteristics
- travel outward from the source
10.1 ELECTRIC AND MAGNETIC FIELDS FOR
PLANE WAVE
From Maxwells equations :
0

-
= -
= -
+ = + =
= =
B
D
t
E
t
D
H
t
H
t
B
E
v

0 , 0 = = J
v

Assume the medium is free of charge :

) 4 ( 0
) 3 ( 0
) 2 (

) 1 (

-
= -
= -
=
=
B
D
t
E
H
t
H
E
c

From vector identity and taking

the curl of (1)and substituting
(1) and (2)
E E E
2
- ) ( ) ( - =
0 ) ( = - E where
f ield electric f or equation s Helmholtz ie
t
E
E
H
t
E
E
t
H
'

) (

-
2
2
2
2
2
c

=
=
=
|
|
.
|

\
|
=>
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2

t
E
z
E
y
E
x
E
c = + +
c
c
3
2
2
2

= Vm
t
E
E c
In Cartesian coordinates :
Assume that :
(i) Electric field only has x component
(ii) Propagate in the z direction
2
2
2
2

t
E
z
E
x x
c =
Similarly in the same way, from
vector identity and taking the
curl of (2)and substituting (1)
and (2)
3
2
2
2
A

= m
t
H
H c
) cos( ) - cos(
-
z t E z t E E
x x x
| e | e + + =
+
2
2
2
2

t
E
z
E
x x
c =
The solution for this equation :
Incidence wave propagate
in +z direction
Reflected wave propagate
in -z direction
To find H field :
t
H
E

- =
{ }y z t E z t E
z
y
E
y
z
E
E
x x
x x
) sin( - ) - sin(

-
| e | | e | + =
=
+
)
`

+ + = z
t
H
y
t
H
x
t
H
t
H
z
y
x

-
On the right side
equation :
{ }
) cos( - ) - cos(
) cos( - ) - cos(
) cos( ) - cos( -
) sin( - ) - sin( -
) sin( - ) - sin(

-
-
-
-
-
-

z t H z t H
z t E z t E H
z t E z t E
dt z t
E
dt z t
E
H
z t E z t E
t
H
y y
x x y
x x
x x
y
x x
y
| e | e
| e
e
|
| e
e
|
| e
e
|
| e
e
|
| e

|
| e

|
| e | | e |
+ =
+ =
+ + =
+ =
+ =
+
+
+
+
+
}
Equating components on both side = y component
) cos( ) - cos(
-
z t E z t E E
x x x
| e | e + + =
+
) cos( - ) - cos(
-
z t H z t H H
y y y
| e | e + =
+
Hence :
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) will provides information on the direction of
propagation.
H E
10.2 PLANE WAVE IN LOSSY DIELECTRICS
IMPERFECT DIELECTRICS
r r
c c c o
0 0
; ; 0 = = =
Assume a media is charged free ,
v
=0
( )E j
t
D
J H ec o + = + =

H j
t
B
E e -

- = =
(1)
(2)
( ) H j E = - e
Taking the curl of (2) :
( ) A A A
2
- - =
From vector
identity :
( )E j
t
D
J H ec o + = + =

H j
t
B
E e -

- = =
(1)
(2)
( ) H j E = - e
( ) ( )E j j E E ec o e + = - - -
2
( )
0 -
0 -
2 2
2
=
= +
E E
E j j E

ec o e
( )
eo c e
ec o e
j
j j
+ =
+ =
2
2
-
Where :
(4)
constant n propagatio =
| o j + =
Define :
( ) o| | o j 2 -
2 2 2
+ =
(5)
(6) (Re) - -
2 2 2
c e | o =
(7) (Im) 2 eo o| =
Equating (4) and (5) for Re
and Im parts :
) 8 (
2 2 2
| o + =
( ) ( )
) 9 (
-
2 2
2
2
2 2
o c e e
eo c e
+ =
+ =
Magnitude for (5) ;
Magnitude for (4) ;
(6) (Re) - -
2 2 2
c e | o =
) 10 (
2 2 2 2
o c e e | o + = +
Equate (8) and (9) :
Hence :
c e
c e
o
c e
c e o c e e o
2
2 2
2
2
2 2 2 2
- 1
- 2
+ =
+ =
) 11 ( / 1 - 1
2
1 - 1
2
2 2
2
2 2
2 2
2
m Np
(
(

+ =
(
(

+ =
c e
o c
e o
c e
o c e
o
o is known as attenuation constant as a
measure of the wave is attenuated while
traveling in a medium.
Add (10) and (6) :
Substract (10) and (6) :
c e o c e e |
2 2 2 2
2 + + =
) 12 ( / 1 1
2
2 2
2
m rad
(
(

+ + =
c e
o c
e |
| is phase constant
( )x z t e E t z E
z

- cos ) , (
-
0
| e
o
=
If the electric field propagate in +z direction and has component x,
the equation of the wave is given by :
( )y z t e H t z H
z

- - cos ) , (
-
0 q
o
u | e =
And the magnetic field :
(13)
(14)
q
0
0
E
H = where ;
(15)
( )y z t e H t z H
z
- - cos ) , (
-
0 q
o
u | e =
( )x z t e E t z E
z
- cos ) , (
-
0
| e
o
= (14)
(15)
Conclusions that can be made for the wave propagating in lossy
dielectrics material :
(i) E and H fields amplitude will be attenuated by
(ii) E leading H by
z
e
o -
q
u
) ( , O = =
+
=
q
u
q
q u q
ec o
e
q
j
e
j
j
Intrinsic impedance :
0
4 / 1
2
45 0 , 2 tan ,
1
/
q q
u
ec
o
u
ec
o
c
q =
(
(

|
.
|

\
|
+
=
where ;
(16)
(17)
| t | e / 2 ; / = = u
Wave velocity ;
u
ec
o
ec
o
tan = = =
E j
E
J
J
d
Loss tangent ;
Loss tangent values will determine types of media :
tan small ( / < 0.1) good dielectric low loss
tan large ( / > 10 ) - good conductor high loss
q
u u 2 =
(18)
) 17 ( 45 0 , 2 tan ,
1
/
0
4 / 1
2
q q
u
ec
o
u
ec
o
c
q =
(
(

|
.
|

\
|
+
=
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.
From (17) and (18)
x
z
y
z
e
o
0
E
Graphical representation of E field in lossy dielectric
( )x z t e E t z E
z
- cos ) , (
-
0
| e
o
=
q
0
0
E
H =
( )
( )
x e e E
x z t e E t z E
z t z
z

- cos ) , (
- j -
0
-
0
| e o
o
| e
=
=
(14)
(15)
( )
( )
y e e
E
y z t e H t z H
z t
z
z

- - cos ) , (
- - j
-
0
-
0
q
u | e
o
q
o
q
u | e
=
=
10.3 PLANE WAVE IN LOSSLESS (PERFECT) DIELECTRICS
) 11 ( / 1 - 1
2
2 2
2
m Np
(
(

+ =
c e
o c
e o
) 12 ( / 1 1
2
2 2
2
m rad
(
(

+ + =
c e
o c
e |
r r
c c c o
0 0
, , 0 = = = Characteristics:
c e | o = = , 0
|
t

c
|
e 2
,
1
= = = u
o
0 Z =
c

q
) ( , O = =
+
=
q
u
q
q u q
ec o
e
q
j
e
j
j
Substitute in (11) and (12) :
The zero angle means that E and H fields are in phase at each
fixed location.
(19)
(20)
(21)
(22)
10.4 PLANE WAVE IN FREE SPACE
0 0
, , 0 c c o = = = Characteristics:
Free space is nothing more than the perfect dielectric media :
c / , 0
0 0
e c e | o = = =
|
t

c
|
e 2
,
1
0 0
= = = = c u
s m c u / 10 3
8
~ =
Substitute in (20) and (21) :
c e | o = = , 0
|
t

c
|
e 2
,
1
= = = u
o
0 Z =
c

q
(20)
(21)
(22)
where
m H / 10 4
7
0

= = t
m F / 10
36
1
10 854 . 8
9 12
0

~ = =
t
c c
O = = = 120
0
0
0
t
c

q q
(23)
(24)
(25)
(26)
x z t E E ) - cos(
0
| e =
y z t
E
H ) - cos(
0
0
| e
q
=
( )x z t e E t z E
z
- cos ) , (
-
0
| e
o
= (14)
(15)
( )y z t e H t z H
z
- - cos ) , (
-
0 q
o
u | e =
The field equations for E and H obtained :
x
y
z
(at t = 0)
E
x
+
kos(-|z)
H
y
+
kos(-|z)
z k

=
(27)
(28)
E and H fields and the direction of propagation :
k H E

=
Generally :
10.5 PLANE WAVE IN CONDUCTORS
) 11 ( / 1 - 1
2
2 2
2
m Np
(
(

+ =
c e
o c
e o
) 12 ( / 1 1
2
2 2
2
m rad
(
(

+ + =
c e
o c
e |
) ( , O = =
+
=
q
u
q
q u q
ec o
e
q
j
e
j
j
ec o >>

ec
o
In conductors : or
r
c c o
0 0
, , ~ = = > With the characteristics :
(29)
o t
eo
| o f = = =
2
Substitute in (11 and (12) :
o
45 Z =
o
e
q
E leads H by 45
0
x z t e E E
z
) - cos(
-
0
| e
o
=
y z t e
E
H
o z
) 45 - - cos(
-
0
0
| e
q
o
=
The field equations for E and H obtained :
(30)
(32)
(33)
(31)
E H
z
e
o -
It is seen that in conductors and waves are attenuated by
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.
o
0.368E
0

E
0

x
z
o
o t
o o
oo
f
e E e E
1
/ 1
1 -
0
-
0
= =
=
In a distance :
o
It can be seen that at higher
frequencies is decreasing.
(34)
Ex.10.1 : A lossy dielectric has an intrinsic impedance of at the
particular frequency. If at that particular frequency a plane wave that propagate
in a medium has a magnetic field given by :
O
o
30 200
. / ) x/2 - cos( 10
-
m A y t e H
x
e
o
= Find and . E o
z E
x y E
k H E
-

=
=
=
Solution :
o
o
E
H
E
30 2000
30 200
0
0
0
=
= = q
From intrinsic impedance, the magnitude
of E field :
6 / 30
0
t u
q
= =
It is seen that E field leads H field :
) / ( ) 6 / 2 / - cos( 2000 -
-
m V z x t e E
x
t e
o
+ =
Hence :
o
To find :
) / ( ) 6 / 2 / - cos( 2000 -
-
m V z x t e E
x
t e
o
+ =
( )
( )
2 / 1
2
2
1 1
1 - 1
(
(
(

+ +
+
=
ec
o
ec
o
|
o
3 60 tan 2 tan
0
= = =
q
u
ec
o
m Np / 2887 . 0
3

3
1
1 2
1 - 2

2 / 1
= =
=
(

+
=
|
o
|
o
2 / 1 = | ; and we know
) / ( ) 6 / 2 / - cos( 2000 -
2887 . 0 -
m V z x t e E
x
t e + =
Hence:
10.6 POWER AND THE POYNTING VECTOR
From vector identity:
E Dot product (36) with :
t
H
E

- =
t
E
H

E c o + =
(35)
(36)
( )
t
E
E E H E

2
c o - + = - (37)
E B H A = = , Change in (37) and use (38) , equation (37) becomes :
( ) ( ) ( ) B A A B B A - - = - - (38)
( ) ( )
t
E
E E E H E H

2
c o - + = - + -
(39)
( ) H H
t t
H
H E H - =
|
|
.
|

\
|
- = -

2
-

t
H
E

- = (35)
And from (35):
( )
t
E
E E H E
t
H

2
-
2
2
c o

- + = -
( ) ( )
t
E
E E E H E H

2
c o - + = - + -
(39)
(40)
Therefore (39) becomes:
( ) ( ) H E E H - = - -
where:
(41)
Integration (41) throughout volume v :
( ) dv E dv H E
t
dv H E
v v v

2 2 2
-
2
1
2
1

- o c
(

+ = -
(42)
( ) ) 43 ( -
2
1
2
1

-

2 2 2
dv E dv H E
t
S d H E
v v s
o c
(

+ = -
Using divergence theorem to (42):
( ) dv E dv H E
t
dv H E
v v v

2 2 2
-
2
1
2
1

- o c
(

+ = -
(42)
Total energy flow
leaving the volume
The decrease of the energy
densities of energy stored
in the electric and magnetic
fields
Dissipated
ohmic power
Equation (43) shows Poynting Theorem and can be
written as :
2
/ m W H E =
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.
Stored electric
field
Stored magnetic
field
Ohmic losses
Output power
Input power
J
H
E

The theorem can be explained as shown in

the diagram below :
Given for lossless dielectric, the electric and magnetic fields are :
x z t E E ) - cos(
0
| e =
y z t
E
H ) - cos(
0
| e
q
=
y z t
E

) - ( cos
2
0
2
| e
q
=
The Poynting vector becomes:
2
/ m W H E =
| |
2
2
0
0
2
0
0
2
0
2
0
2
0
/
2
1
) 2 - 2 sin(
2
1
2
1
) 2 - 2 cos( 1
2
1
) ( cos
1

m W
E
P
z t t
E
T
dt z t
E
T
dt z t
E
T
P
ave
T
T
T
ave
q
| e
e q
| e
q
| e
q
=
(
(

+ =
+ =
=
To find average power density :
Integrate Poynting vector and divide with interval T = 1/f :
) (
2
1
2
0
W S
E
P
ave
q
=
Average power
through area S :
x z t e E E
z

) - cos(
-
0
| e
o
=
y z t e
E
H
z

) - - cos(
-
0
0
q
o
u | e
q
=
Given for lossy dielectric, the electric and magnetic fields are :
) - cos( ) - cos(
2
0
2
q
o
u | e | e
q
=

z t z t e
E
z
The Poynting vector becomes:
q
o
u
q
cos
2
1
2
2
0
z
ave
e
E
P

=
Average power :
Ex.10.2: A uniform plane wave propagate in a lossless dielectric in the
+z direction. The electric field is given by :
( ) ( ) ) / ( 6 / 3 / 4 cos 377 ) , ( m V x z t t z E t t e + =
2
/ 377 m W The average power density measured was . Find:
(i) Dielectric constant of the material if
(ii) Wave frequency
(iii) Magnetic field equation
0
=
Solution:
O = =
=
= =
5 . 188 2 / 377
377
) 377 (
2
1
377
2
1
2
2
q
q
q
E
P
ave
(i) Average power :
0 . 4
9986 . 1
1
0
0
0
0
=
= =
= =
r
r
r
c
c

q
c
c c

q
For lossless dielectric :
) 100 ( 10 93 . 99
10 9946 . 3 2
3
4
3 / 4
6
16
0
0
MHz f
f
~ =
=
=
= =
t
c
t
e
c e t |
(ii) Wave frequency :
( ) ( ) ) / ( 6 / 3 / 4 cos 377 ) , ( m V x z t t z E t t e + =
) / ( ) 6 / ) 3 / 4 ( cos( 2
) 6 / ) 3 / 4 ( cos(
377
) , (
m A y z t
y z t t z H
t t e
t t e
q
+ =
+ =
(iii) Magnetic field equation :
( ) ( ) ) / ( 6 / 3 / 4 cos 377 ) , ( m V x z t t z E t t e + =