Oct 12nd.pptVIP

The 3D vector wave equation which has the vector field solution: Can light be longitudinal field? Suppose a beam propagates along the x-direction. Then it’s a function of x and t (and not y or z), so : ? ??Generally we have ? that is, Direction of Magnetic field Suppose the previous wave has its electric field along the y-direction [so Ex = Ez= 0, and Ey = Ey(x,t)]. ?Use: ? So: ? In other words: ? The magnetic field points in the z-direction. The electric and the magnetic field The electric field, the magnetic field, and the k-vector are all perpendicular: The Energy Density of a Light Wave The energy density of an electric field is: The energy density of a magnetic field is: Using B = E/c, and , which together imply that we have: Total energy density: So the electrical and magnetic energy densities in light are equal. Why we neglect the magnetic field The force on a charge, q, is: ? ? ? Taking the ratio of the magnitudesof the two forces: ? Since B = E/c: The Poynting Vector Justification (but not a proof): Energy through area A in time Dt: So the energy per unit time per unit area: And the direction is reasonable. The Irradiance (often called the Intensity) A light wave’s average power per unit area is the irradiance. ? Substituting a light wave into the expression for the Poynting vector, , yields: ? The average of cos2 is 1/2: The Irradiance (continued) Since the electric and magnetic fields are perpendicular and B0 = E0 / c, Plane wave Higher order modes Brief introduction of polarization In the Lecture Previous Composition of Vibration / Lissajous Figure Linear Polarization Jones Vector Left Circular (or Helical) Polarization Right Circular (or Helical) Polarization Elliptical Polarization Jones Vectors for Circular andElliptical Polarization Fresnels Equations