6 s6 Slides

6.
Plane waves reflection from media

interface
Prof. Rakhesh Singh Kshetrimayum
1 Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum 3/20/2018

6.1 Introduction
Plane waves reflection
from a media interface
Normal Oblique
incidence Perfect incidence
conductor TE
Good TM Effect on
conductor Brewster angle polarization
Lossy conducting
medium
Total internal reflection
Lossless medium
Fig. 6.1 Plane waves reflection from media interface
6.1 Introduction
Till now, we have studied plane waves in various medium
In real life, we have different media
Such as in classroom, we have open space (free space), walls
(bricks), window (glass), etc.
How is the behavior of plane waves when it moves from on
medium to another medium?
In other words,
let us try to explore how plane waves will behave at a media
interface

6.1 Introduction
In practical scenarios of wireless and mobile communications,
radio wave will reflect from
walls &
other obstacles on its path
When a radio wave reflects from a surface,
the strength of the reflected waves is less than that of the
incident wave

6.1 Introduction
The ratio of the reflected wave and the incident wave is
known as the ‘reflection coefficient’ of the surface
This ratio depends on the
conductivity (σ),
permittivity (ε) and
permeability (µ)
of the material that forms the reflective surface
as well as material properties of the
air
from which the radio wave is incident
6.1 Introduction
Some part of the wave will be also transmitted through
the material
How much of the incident wave has been transmitted
through the material?
It is also dependent on the material parameters
mentioned above
It is given by another ratio known as ‘transmission
coefficient’
It is the ratio of the transmitted wave divided by the
incident wave
6.1 Introduction
In plane waves reflection from media interface, we
basically find the two parameters mentioned above
Reflection coefficient (Г)
Transmission coefficient (τ)
It will give us an idea of how much wave is
transmitted and reflected
when a plane wave hit an interface between two
medium.
How do we find the above two coefficients?

6.1 Introduction
It is basically a two step process
In plane wave reflection from media interface,
what we will be doing is
basically writing down the
electric and
magnetic field expressions
in all the regions of interest
This is the first step

6.1 Introduction
and
apply the boundary conditions
to get the values of the
transmission and
reflection coefficients
This is the second step
One of the possible applications of such an exercise is in
wireless communication

6.1 Introduction
For example, we can find the
transmission and
reflection coefficients of
various multipaths (?)
Electromagnetic waves are often
reflected or
scattered or
diffracted
at one or more obstacles before arriving at the receiver

6.2 Plane wave reflection from media
interface at normal incidence
For smooth surfaces,

EM waves are reflected;
For rough surfaces,
EM waves are scattered;
For edges of surfaces,
EM waves are diffracted

Fig. 6.2 depicts multipath for a mobile receiver in the car
from
direct,
reflected and
diffracted waves
of the signal sent from the base station

6.1 Introduction
Fig. 6.2 Illustration of reflected and diffracted wave in mobile

communications (this chapter’s study will be very helpful in
understanding wireless and mobile communications)
We will consider the case of normal incidence,
when the incident wave propagation vector is along the
normal to the interface between two media
6.2.1 Lossy conducting medium
We will assume plane waves with electric field vector
oriented along the x-axis and
propagating along the positive z-axis without loss of
generality
For z<0 (we will refer this region as region I and it is
assumed to be a lossy medium)

rr r
EEii r Et r
γi γt
r 1
r 2
Hi Ht
rr
r E
Err
γr
1 r
Hr
ε1 , µ1 , σ 1 ε 2 , µ2 , σ 2
Fig. 6.3 A plane EM wave is incident from region I or medium 1

15 for Electromagnetic
z<0 Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum 3/20/2018
Let us do a more generalized analysis by assuming this
region I as a lossy medium
It could be a lossless medium like free space
The incident electric and magnetic fields can be
expressed as
r
ˆ o e−γ1z
Ei = xE
r 1
H i = yˆ Eo e −γ1z
η1

where η1 is the medium 1 wave impedance and
Eo is the arbitrary amplitude of the incident electric field
The expression for intrinsic wave impedance and
propagation constant
jωµ1 jωµ1 jωµ1 jσ
η1 = = = ; γ 1 = α1 + j β1 = jω µ1ε1 1 − 1
γ1 jωµ1 ( jωε1 + σ 1 ) jωε1 + σ 1 ωε1
µ1 µ1
η1 = =  jσ 1 
ε eff 1  jσ 1  γ 1 = jω µ1ε eff 1 = jω µ1ε 1 1 − 
ε 1 1 − 
 ωε 1   ωε 1 

Convention:
a circle with a dot in the center an arrow pointing
perpendicularly out of the page and
a circle with a cross an arrow pointing
perpendicularly into the page)
Notation for fields:
subscript i incident,
subscript r reflected and
subscript ttransmitted

Note that the incident wave from region I will be
partially reflected and transmitted at the media interface
between two regions
For reflected wave, z<0,
wave direction is in the –z axis and
the reflected electric field is expressed as
r
Er = xˆΓEo e + γ 1 z
where the Γ is the reflection coefficient

The reflection coefficient is defined as
the ratio of amplitude of the reflected electric field
divided by amplitude of the incident electric field as
follows:
Er
Γ=
Ei
The reflected magnetic field can be obtained from the

reflected electric field using the Maxwell’s curl equations
as

r r
∇ × Er = − jωµ1 H r
xˆ yˆ zˆ
r r
r ∇ × Er j∇ × Er j ∂ ∂ ∂
⇒ Hr = − = =
jωµ1 ωµ1 ωµ1 ∂x ∂y ∂z
ΓEo e + γ1z 0 0
j ∂ + γ1z  j γ1
= yˆ 
ωµ1  ∂z
Γ Eo (
e 

= ˆ
y
ωµ
) γ 1Γ Eo e +γ1z
= −(ˆ
y
j
)
ωµ
Γ Eo e (
+γ1z
)
1 1
r Γ
∴ H r = − yˆ Eo e + γ1z
η1

Therefore, the Poynting vector for reflected wave of
region I is
r r r* 2 2 zˆ
S r = Er × H r == − Γ Eo e +2α z *
η1
shows power is flowing in the -z axis for the reflected

wave
For transmitted wave, z>0, wave is propagating in lossy
medium 2 (we will refer this region as region II),

r
E t = xˆτE o e −γ 2 z
r E
H t = yˆ τ o e − γ 2 z
η2
where η2 is the wave impedance of lossy medium 2 and

τ is the transmission coefficient
intrinsic wave impedance and propagation constant are
(replace 2 instead of 1 in the expression for region 1)

jωµ 2 jωµ 2 jωµ 2 jσ
η2 = = = ; γ 2 = α 2 + j β 2 = jω µ 2ε 2 1 − 2
γ2 jωµ 2 ( jωε 2 + σ 2 ) jωε 2 + σ 2 ωε 2
transmission coefficient is defined as

the ratio of amplitude of the transmitted electric field
divided by amplitude of the incident electric field as
follows:
Et
τ=
Ei

Our intention here is to find the
transmission and reflection coefficients
Let us rewrite the fields in the two regions:
region I (z<0) and region II (z>0) (see Table 6.1)
and
apply the boundary conditions to obtain the two
unknown coefficients

Table 6.1 Fields in the two lossy regions (normal incidence)
Region I (lossy medium 1) Region II (lossy medium 2)
r r 1 r r Eo −γ 2 z
ˆ o e−γ1z
Ei = xE H i = yˆ Eo e −γ1z E t = xˆτE o e − γ 2 z H t = ˆ
y τ e
η1 η
2
r r Γ
Er = xˆΓEo e + γ 1z H r = − yˆ Eo e + γ1z
η1

This is basically boundary value problem with
boundary conditions at z=0
Note that total electric and magnetic fields (both
incident and reflected)
are tangential to the interface at z=0
Similarly, the transmitted electric and magnetic field
are also tangential to the interface at z=0

Also note that there are no
surface current density at the interface
Hence, the tangential components of electric and
magnetic fields must be
continuous at the interface z=0
r r r
Ei + Er = Et ⇒ (1 + Γ ) E0 = τ E0 ⇒ 1 + Γ = τ
z =0
r r r  1− Γ   τ  1− Γ τ
Hi + Hr = Ht ⇒ E0   = E0   ⇒ =
z =0
 η1   η2  η1 η2

Therefore,
1− Γ τ 1− Γ 1+ Γ η −η
= ⇒ = ⇒ (1 − Γ )η 2 = η1 (1 + Γ ) ⇒ Γ = 2 1
η1 η2 η1 η2 η 2 + η1
Hence,
η 2 − η1 2η 2
τ = 1+ Γ = 1+ =
η 2 + η1 η1 + η 2

6.2.2 Lossless medium
If the regions are lossless dielectric,
then, σ = 0 and µ and ε are real quantities
For a lossless medium,
The propagation constant for this case is purely
imaginary and can be written as γ = jβ =jω√(µε)
µ
η= is real, so,
ε
both Γ and τ are real
Electric and magnetic fields are in phase with each
other
Table 6.2 Fields in the two lossless regions (normal
incidence)
Region I (lossless medium 1) Region II (lossless medium 2)
r r 1
ˆ o e− j β1z
Ei = xE H i = yˆ Eo e − j β1 z r E
η1 H t = yˆτ o e − j β 2 z
η2
r r Γ
Er = xˆΓEo e + j β1z H r = − yˆ Eo e + j β1z r
η1 Et = xˆτ Eo e − j β 2 z

Applying the boundary conditions like before,
we can get the expression for
reflection and
transmission coefficients,
we will get the same expression as before
η 2 − η1 2η 2
Γ= ; τ =
η 2 + η1 η1 + η2

For instance,
Assume a plane wave incident from free space to a
dielectric medium
2η 2 2 ε1 η 2 − η1 ε1 − ε 2
τ= = Γ= =
η 2 + η1 ε1 + ε 2 η 2 + η1 ε1 + ε 2
For ε1=1.0 and ε2=4.0, we have

1 2
Γ = − ;τ =
3 3

Poynting vector in region I
r1 r 1 r1 * r r r r *  E0* j β1z E0* − jβ1z 

(
S = Etot × H tot ) ( ) (
= Ei + Er × H i + H r ) = (E e 0
− j β1 z
xˆ + ΓE0e + j β1 z
)
xˆ ×  e yˆ − Γ e yˆ 
 η1 η1 
 E0 2 Γ E0 2 e −2 j β1z Γ E0 2 e +2 j β1z Γ 2 E0 2   E0 2 Γ E
2

= − + −  zˆ =  (1 − Γ2 ) +
0
e+2 jβ1z − e −2 j β1z( )  zˆ
 η1 η1 η1 η1 
  η1 η1 
 E0 2 Γ E
2

= (1− Γ ) −
2 0
2 j sin ( 2 β1 z )  zˆ
 η1 η1 

Poynting vector in region II
2 *
r2 r r *  τ E0 − jβ 2 z  2
τ E0
S = Et × H t = x τ E0 e
ˆ (
− j β2 z
× e )  y=z
ˆ ˆ
 η2  η2
Q1 − Γ 2 = 1 −
(η 2 − η1 ) =
4η η
2 1
⇒
1 − Γ 2
=
4η2
2 2 2
( 2 1) ( 2 1)
η + η η + η η 1 ( 2 1)
η + η
τ=
2η 2
⇒τ 2 =
4η 2
2
⇒
1− Γ τ r 2
2
= ∴ S = zˆ
(
21 − Γ 2
) E0
2
2
η 2 + η1 ( 2 1)
η + η η1 η2 η1

Power conservation
Compare the time average power flow in the two regions
For z <0, the time average power flow through 1m2 cross
section is
1 r1 1 21
1−− Γ2
S 1
avg
2
(
= Re S • zˆ = E0
2 η1
)
And for z >0, the time average power flow through 1m2
cross section is
1 r2 1 2 1− Γ
2
2
S avg
2
(
= Re S • zˆ = E0
2 η1
)
Hence,
1 2
Savg = Savg
So real power is conserved
6.2.3 Good conductor:
If the region II (z >0) is a good (but not perfect)
conductor and
region I is a lossless medium like free space,
the propagation constant for medium 2 is

ωµ 2σ 2 1
γ 2 = α 2 + j β 2 = (1 + j ) = (1 + j )
2 δ s2
where δ is the skin depth for the medium 2,
2
s
which is a good conductor

Similarly, the intrinsic impedance of the conducting
medium 2 simplifies to
2
jωµ 2 jωµ 2 j 2 (ωµ 2 ) j 2ωµ 2
η2 = = = =
γ2 ωµ2σ 1 + j ωµ 2σ 1+ j σ
(1 + j )
2
j (1 − j ) 2ωµ 2 ( j + 1) 2ωµ 2 ( j + 1) 2ωµ 2 ωµ 2
= = = = ( j + 1)
(1 + j )(1 − j ) σ (1 − j 2 ) σ 2 σ 2σ

Now, the wave impedance of medium 2 is complex,
with a phase angle of 45o
so the electric
and magnetic field will be 45o out of phase and
Γ and τ will be complex
Now, let us write down the field expressions in
region I and II for
lossless dielectric (region I)
and good conductor (region II) interface

Table 6.4 Fields in the two regions (normal incidence)
Region I (lossless medium) Region II (good conductor)
r r 1 r
ˆ o e− jβ1z
Ei = xE H i = yˆ Eo e − j β1z Et = xˆτ Eo e − γ 2 z
η1
r r Γ r
Er = xˆΓEo e + j β1z H r = − yˆ Eo e + jβ1z
E
H t = yˆτ o e − γ 2 z
η1 η2

Applying the boundary conditions like before,
we can get the expression for
reflection and
transmission coefficients,
we will get the same expression as before
η 2 − η1 2η 2
Γ= ; τ=
η 2 + η1 η1 + η2
But the expression of η2 is
ωµ 2
η 2 = (1 + j )
2σ
Power conservation
let us find out the Poynting vector in the two regions
Noting that the field in region I comprise of
incident and reflected wave,
we can write the Poynting vector for z <0
r1 r 1 r1 * r r r r *  E0* j β1z * E0 − j β1 z 
*
S = Etot × H tot ( ) ( ) (
= Ei + Er × H i + H r ) = (E e 0
− j β1 z
xˆ + ΓE0 e + j β1 z
)
xˆ ×  e yˆ − Γ e yˆ 
 η1 η1 
2
E0
=
η1
(
1 − Γ*e −2 j β1z + Γe +2 j β1z − Γ
2
) zˆ

For z >0, only transmitted fields exist and

we can write down the Poynting vector as
2 2
r2 r r *  * *
τ E  τ E
S = Et × H t = xˆ (τ E0 e −γ z ) ×  * 0 e −γ z  yˆ = zˆ
*
0 −2α z
*
e
 2η  η 2

At z=0,
2
r1 E0
S =
η1
(1 − Γ + Γ − Γ ) zˆ
* 2
r 2 E0 2 τ 2 2
4 E0 η 2 E0
2
S =
η2*
zˆ =
(η1 + η2 )
2
zˆ =
η1
*
( 2
)
1 − Γ + Γ − Γ zˆ
Complex power is conserved

Then the time average power flow through a 1m2 cross
section can be calculated as follows
Since −Γ*e −2 j β z + Γe +2 j β z1 1

is purely an imaginary number, therefore,

2
1 r 1 2 1− Γ
1
S avg 1
(
= Re S • zˆ = E0
2 2
)
η1
2
1 r 2 1− Γ
2
S avg
2
2
( 1
= Re S • zˆ = E0
2
)
η1
e − 2αz
which shows power balance at z=0 only

Note that the Poynting vector for z>0,

this power density in the lossy conductor decays
exponentially according to the attenuation factor

6.2.4 Perfect conductor:
Now assume that the
region II (z >0) contains a perfect conductor and
region I is a lossless medium
Let us rewrite the expressions for
propagation constant and wave impedance of a good
conductor and
deduce the expressions for perfect conductor

ωµ2σ 2 1
γ 2 = α 2 + j β 2 = (1 + j ) = (1 + j )
2 δ s2
ωµ2
η2 = (1 + j )
2σ 2
Perfect conductor implies σ2→∝, and

correspondingly, α2→∝, δs2→0, η2→0
Note that 2η2 η2 − η1
τ= ,Γ =
η1 + η2 η2 + η1
Therefore, τ→0 and Γ→-1

Table 6.5 Fields in the two regions (normal incidence)
Region I (lossless medium) Region II (perfect conductor)
r r 1
ˆ o e− j β1z
Ei = xE H i = yˆ Eo e − j β1 z r r
η1 Et ≅ 0 Ht ≅ 0
r r Γ
Er = xˆΓEo e + j β1z H r = − yˆ Eo e + jβ1z
η1

The field for z >0 thus decay infinitely fast and
are identically zero in the perfect conductor
The perfect conductor can be thought of as
‘shorting out’ the incident electric field

Power conservation
In order to see the power conservation,
let us find out the Poynting vector in the two regions
Noting that the field in region I comprise of
incident and
reflected wave,
we can write the Poynting vector for z <0 (Γ=-1)
r1 r r
ˆ 0 ( e − j β1z − e j β1z ) = − xˆ 2 jE0 sin β1 z
Etot = Ei + Er = xE

r1 r E0 − j β1z E0
H tot = H i + H r = yˆ e +e
η1
(
j β1 z
= yˆ 2 cos β1 z ) η1
Therefore, the Poynting vector for z<0 is

2
r1 r1 * 4 E0
1
S = Etot × H tot ( ) = − zj
ˆ
η1
sin β1 z cos β1 z
which has a zero real part and

thus indicates that no real power is

delivered to the perfect conductor
Fields in region II is anyway zero and
hence power is also zero

interface at oblique incidence
We will consider the problem of a plane wave
obliquely incident on a plane interface
between two lossy conducting regions

x
r r
r r Et , H t
Er , H r
θr θt z
θi
r r
Ei , H i n̂
ε , µ ,σ
1 1 1
ε 2 , µ2 , σ 2
Region I Region II
Fig. 6.5 Oblique incidence of plane EM wave at a media interface

Any arbitrary incident plane wave can be expressed
as a linear combination of these two principal
polarizations
The plane of incidence is that plane containing
the normal vector to the interface and
the direction of propagation vector of the incident
wave
For example, plane of incidence is x-z plane in the
previous slide

We will first consider two principal polarizations
the electric field is in the plane of incidence xz plane
(parallel polarization)
the electric field is in normal to the xz plane
(perpendicular polarization)

6.3.1 Perpendicular polarization (TE):
In this case, electric field vector is perpendicular to the
xz plane,
Hence, it will have component along the y-axis
Since the electric field is transversal to the plane of
incidence
They are also known transverse electric (TE) waves
Fig. 6.6 Wave propagation vector for (a) incident (b)

reflected and (c) transmitted EM waves at oblique incidence
(shown in next slide)
x̂ x̂
r
ri γr
γ 1
γ 1 sin θ r
γ 1 sin θ i 1
n̂ θi ẑ n̂ θr ẑ
γ 1 cosθ i γ 1 cos θ r
x̂
r
γ 2t
γ 2 sin θt
n̂ θt ẑ
γ 2 cos θt

Let us assume that the incident wave propagates
in the first quadrant of xz plane without loss of
generality and
ri
γ 1 (incident propagation vector) makes an angle θi
with the normal (see Fig. 6.6 (a))
ri r'
γ 1 • z = (γ 1 cos θ i zˆ + γ 1 sin θ i xˆ ) • ( zzˆ + xxˆ )
ri r'
⇒ γ 1 • z = γ 1 z cos θ i + γ 1 x sin θ i
r − γ 1 ( z cosθi + x sin θi )
Ei = E0e yˆ
r
r r r ∇ × Ei
Q ∇ × Ei = − jωµ1 H i ⇒ H i =
− jωµ1
xˆ yˆ zˆ
E0  ∂e 1 ( i   ∂e −γ1 ( z cosθi + x sinθi )  
− γ z cosθ + x sin θi )
1 ∂ ∂ ∂
= =  − xˆ  + 
 
zˆ  

− jωµ1 ∂x ∂y ∂z − jωµ1  ∂z   ∂x  
− γ 1 ( z cosθi + x sin θi )
0 E0 e 0
E0  ∂e −γ1 ( z cosθi + x sin θi )   ∂e −γ1 ( z cosθi + x sin θi )   E0γ 1 −γ1 ( z cosθi + x sinθi )
=  xˆ  − 
 
zˆ   =

e {− cos θi xˆ + zˆ sin θi }
jωµ1  ∂z   ∂x   jωµ1
E −γ z cosθ + x sinθi )
= 0 e 1( i ( − xˆ cos θi + zˆ sin θi )
η1
r E0 −γ 1 ( z cosθi − x sin θi )
Hi = e (− xˆ cos θ i + zˆ sin θi )
η1
Let us assume that the reflected wave propagates in the
second quadrant of xz plane and
rr
γ 1 (reflected propagation vector) makes an angle θr
with the normal (see Fig. 6.6 (b))
rr r'
γ 1 • z = (− γ 1 cos θ r zˆ + γ 1 sin θ r xˆ ) • ( zzˆ + xxˆ )
rr r'
⇒ γ 1 • z = −γ 1 z cos θ r + γ 1 x sin θ r
r − γ 1 ( − z cosθ r + x sin θ r )
Er = E0ΓTE e yˆ
rr ri
Note that γ 1 and γ 1 will have the same magnitude
since both the waves are still in the same region I,
only their direction changes
Since the Poynting vector must be negative like the
previous case of normal incidence,
r E0
ΓTE e 1 (
− γ − z cosθ r + x sin θ r )
Hr = ( xˆ cos θ r + zˆ sin θ r )
η1

You could also use the Maxwell’s curl equation below to
find this
r
r ∇ × Er
Hr =
− jωµ1
The transmitted fields will have similar expression with
the incident fields except
that now the θi should be replaced by θt (angle that
transmitted propagation vector makes with the
normal),

γ1 should be replaced by γ2 (wave is in region II now)
and
multiplication by (transmission coefficient)
The transmitted fields are
r − γ 2 ( z cosθt + x sin θt )
ˆ 0τ TE e
Et = yE
r
r ∇ × Et E0τ TE −γ 2 ( z cosθt + x sin θt )
Ht = = e ( − xˆ cos θt + zˆ sin θt )
− jωµ2 η2

Table 6.5 Fields in two regions (oblique incidence:
perpendicular polarization)

r
Ei = E0e 1 ( i
−γ z cosθ + x sin θi )
yˆ r
r
ˆ 0τ TE e−γ 2 ( z cosθt + x sinθt )
Et = yE
E −γ z cosθ + x sin θi )
H i = 0 e 1( i ( − xˆ cos θi + zˆ sin θi )
η1
r Eτ
H t = 0 TE e 2 ( t
− γ z cosθ + x sin θt )
r ( − xˆ cos θt + zˆ sin θt )
Er = E0 ΓTE e 1 (
− γ − z cosθr + x sin θ r )
yˆ η2
r EΓ
H r = 0 TE e 1 ( i
− γ z cosθ + x sin θ i )
( xˆ cos θ r + zˆ sin θ r )
η1
Equating the tangential components of electric field
(electric field has only Ey component and it is
tangential at the interface z=0) and
magnetic field
(magnetic field has two components: Hx and Hz and
only Hx is tangential at the interface z=0)
at z=0 gives e − γ 1 x sin θi + Γ e − γ 1 x sin θ r = τ e − γ 2 x sin θt
TE TE
−1 − γ 1 x sin θi ΓTE τ TE
cos θi e + cos θ r e − γ 1 x sin θ r
=− cos θt e −γ 2 x sin θt
η1 η1 η2
If Ex and Hy are to be continuous at the interface z = 0
for all x,
then, this x variation must be the same on both sides of
the equations (also known as phase matching condition)
γ 1 sin θ i = γ 1 sin θ r = γ 2 sin θ t
⇒ θi = θ r ; γ 1 sin θi = γ 2 sin θt

The first is Snell’s law of reflection
which states that the angle of incidence equals the
angle of reflection
The second result is the Snell’s law of refraction
(refraction is the change in direction of a wave due to
change in velocity from one medium to another
medium)
Also note that refractive index of a medium is defined as
c µ r ε r µ 0ε 0
n= = = µrε r
vp µ 0ε 0
hence, for a lossless dielectric media,
sin θ i γ 2 β 2 µ 2ε 2 v1 ε 2 n2
= = = = = =
sin θt γ 1 β1 µ1ε1 v2 ε1 n1
Now we can simplify above two equations by applying

Snell’s two laws as follows
1 + ΓTE = τ TE cos θi cos θ r τ TE

− + ΓTE =− cos θt
η1 η1 η2

The above two equations has two unknowns τTE and ГTE
and it can be solved easily as follows
 cos θi cos θ r  η2
τ TE = − ΓTE  1 + ΓTE = τ TE
 η1 η1  cos θt
Therefore,
 η2 cosθi η2 cosθr   η2 cos θr   η2 cos θi 
1 + ΓTE =  − ΓTE  ⇒ ΓTE 1 + = − 1
 η1 cos θt η1 cos θt   η1 cos θt   η1 cosθt 
 η1 cos θt + η2 cos θr   η2 cos θi −η1 cos θt  η2 cos θi −η1 cos θt
⇒ ΓTE  =  ⇒ ΓTE =
 η1 cos θt   η1 cos θt  η1 cos θt + η2 cos θr

2η 2 cos θ i
τ TE = 1 + ΓTE =
η 2 cos θ i + η1 cos θ t
Hence, the reflection and transmission coefficients for
oblique incidence (Fresnel coefficients) for perpendicular
polarization are given as follows:
η2 cos θi − η1 cos θt 2η2 cos θi
ΓTE = τ TE =
η2 cos θi + η1 cos θt η2 cos θi + η1 cos θt
For normal incidence, it is a particular case and put
θi = θ r = θt = 0
6.3.2 Parallel Polarization (TM):
In this case, electric field vector lies in the xz plane
Since the magnetic field is transversal to the plane of
incidence such waves are also called as transverse
magnetic (TM) waves
So let us start with H vector which will have only y
component,
r E0 − γ 1 ( z cos θ i + x sin θ i )
H i = yˆ e
η1

r
r r r ∇ × Hi
Q ∇ × H = jωε1 E ⇒ Ei =
jωε1
xˆ yˆ zˆ
1∂ ∂ ∂ E0   ∂e −γ1 ( z cosθi + x sin θi )   ∂e −γ1 ( z cosθi + x sin θi )  
= = −  xˆ  + 
 
zˆ  

jωε1 ∂x ∂y ∂z jωε1η1   ∂z   ∂x  
E0 − γ 1 ( z cosθi + x sin θi )
0 e 0
η1
E0γ 1 − γ 1 ( z cosθi + x sin θi )
= e {cos θi xˆ − zˆ sin θi } = E0e−γ ( z cosθ + x sinθ ) ( cos θi xˆ − zˆ sin θi )
1 i i
jωε1η1

Similar to the previous case of parallel polarization, we

can write the reflected magnetic field vector as
r E0 ΓTM −γ1 ( − z cosθr + x sin θr )
H r = − yˆ ˆ
ye
η1
One could also find the reflected field using Maxwell
curl equation

The transmitted fields will have similar expression with

the incident fields except that
now the θi should be replaced by θt (angle that
transmitted propagation vector makes with the
normal),
γ1 should be replaced by γ2 (wave is in region II) and
multiplied by a factor (transmission coefficient for TM
case)

r − γ 2 ( z cosθt + x sin θt )
Et = E0τ TM e ( xˆ cos θt − zˆ sin θt )
r τ TM E0 −γ 2 ( z cosθt + x sin θt )
H t = yˆ e
η2
Table 6.6 Fields in two regions (oblique incidence: parallel

polarization) {next page}


r
Ei = E0e 1 ( i
− γ z cosθ + x sin θi ) r
( cos θi xˆ − zˆ sin θi ) − γ ( z cosθt + x sin θt )
Et = E0τ TM e 2 ( xˆ cos θt − zˆ sin θt )
r E
H i = yˆ 0 e − γ 1 ( z cos θ i + x sin θ i ) r τ E −γ z cosθ + x sin θt )
η1 H t = yˆ TM 0 e 2 ( t
η2
r
Er = E0ΓTM e 1 (
− γ − z cosθ r + x sin θ r )
{cos θr xˆ + zˆ sin θi }
r EΓ
ˆ −γ 1 ( − z cosθr + x sin θr )
H r = − yˆ 0 TM ye
η1

Equating the tangential components of magnetic field
(magnetic field has only Hy component and it is
tangential at the interface z=0) and
electric field
(electric field has two components: Ex and Ez and only
Ex is tangential at the interface z=0)
at z=0 gives e −γ x sin θ ΓTM e−γ x sin θ τ TM e−γ x sin θ
1 i 1 r 2 t
− =
η1 η1 η2
− γ 1 x sin θi − γ 1 x sin θ r − γ 2 x sin θt
e cos θ i + e ΓTM cos θ r = τ TM e cos θ t

Therefore,
γ 1 sin θ i = γ 1 sin θ r = γ 2 sin θ t

⇒ θi = θ r ; γ 1 sin θi = γ 2 sin θt
which is Snell’s law of reflection and refraction and this
implies that
cos θi + ΓTM cos θ r = τ TM cos θt
1 τ TM
(1 − ΓTM ) =
η1 η2

Hence, the reflection and transmission coefficients for

oblique incidence (Fresnel coefficients) for parallel
polarization are given as follows:
η2 cos θt − η1 cos θi τ = 2η2 cos θi
∴ΓTM = TM
η2 cos θt + η1 cos θi η2 cos θt + η1 cos θi
Note that cosine terms multiplication in the above

equations is different from the previous expression for
TE waves

6.3.3 Brewster angle:
For Γ=0,
the angle of incidence is known as Brewster angle (θB)
This means at this angle of incidence of the EM wave
from region I,
there will be no reflection from region II,
all the EM waves will be absorbed

For parallel polarization (TM wave),
θi = θ BTM
η2 cos θt − η1 cos θi
ΓTM = =0
η2 cos θt + η1 cos θi
⇒ η2 cos θt = η1 cos θ BTM
Also we have from 2nd Snell’s law
γ 1 sin θ BTM = γ 2 sin θ t

Using the above two equations, we can get

 η12 
 η2 − 1 
 2 
sin 2 θ BTM = 2 2 
 η1 − γ 1 
 η 22 γ 22 
For lossless media, we have,
µ ε2
2 2 2
1
−1
η12 µ γ µ µ2ε 2 µ ε 2 γ 12 µ ε1
2 2 TM ε1µ 2
Q 2 = 2 = 1
2
=2
; 1
2
= ∴ sin θB 1 1
=
η2 γ 1 µ µ1ε1µ2 ε1µ2 γ 2 ε 2 µ2
2 µ ε 2 µ ε1
1
− 1
ε1µ 2 ε 2 µ 2

µ2
−1
2 TM µ
For magnetic media, 1
ε = ε 2 sin θB = 1
µ2 µ2
−
µ1 µ1
sin 2 θ BTM is of the form 1/0 and Brewster angle does
not exist
But, for dielectric media, it exist and can be calculated as
follows
ε2
−1
ε1 ε2 ε n
µ1 = µ 2 ⇒ sin θ BTM =
ε 2 ε1
= ⇒ tan θ BTM = 2 = 2
− ε 2 + ε1 ε1 n1
ε1 ε 2
For perpendicular polarization (TE wave),
Similarly, Brewster’s angle doesn’t exist
for perpendicular polarization at oblique incidence
for a non-magnetic or dielectric medium
For magnetic medium
2
µ2 µ1 − ( µ2 ) µ2 µ2 µ2 n2
2
∴ sin θ TE
B = 2 2
= ⇒ sin θ
TE
B = TE
; tan θ
B = =
( µ1 ) − ( µ2 ) µ1 + µ2 µ1 + µ2 µ1 n1

Brewster angle exist for oblique incidence
(perpendicular polarization or TE wave) for interface
between two magnetic media
An incident wave consisting of both polarizations (TE and
TM waves) will have
reflected wave will have only TM polarized wave for θ BTE
reflected wave will have only TE polarized wave for θ B
TM
Brewster angle is also known as Polarizing angle

(used in optics and lasers)

6.3.4 Total internal reflection:
Used in optical fibers
Light strikes an angle of incidence greater than critical
angle,
all of the light energy will be reflected back, and
none of them will be absorbed

6.3.4 Total internal reflection:
This critical angle is related to the refractive index of the
two media and is given by
 n2  −1
θ c = sin  
 n1 
where are the refractive index of medium 2 and 1
respectively

In fact, this can be observed for both the polarizations we
have discussed above
From Snell’s Second law, we have,
γ 2 sin θt
γ 1 sin θi = γ 2 sin θt ⇒ sin θi =
γ1
If we consider non-magnetic materials (dielectrics) of ,
in that case,
ε 2 sin θt
⇒ sin θi =
ε1

Hence, for
π
θi = θ c , θt =
2
(it means the transmitted wave travels along the
interface, for our case, it is x-axis) which implies that
ε2  ε2 
⇒ sin θ c = ⇒ θ c = sin 
−1


ε1  ε1 

We can write the above relation as
 ε2 
−1 −1
 µ 0 µ r 2ε 0ε r 2  −1
 µ r 2ε r 2  −1  n2 
θ c = sin   = sin   = sin   = sin  
 ε1   µ0 µ r1ε 0ε r1   µ r1ε r1   n1 
Note that ε1 > ε 2 to have a real value of critical

angle
Besides, we have assumed that for a dielectric,
µ r1 = µ r 2 = 1

What will happen when the angle of incidence is greater
than the critical angle?
For all angles greater than the critical angle,
using Snell’s second law, and
noting that waves are moving from a denser to a rarer
dielectric medium, µr1 = µr 2 = 1 ε1 > ε 2
µ1ε1 sin θi
Qθ i > θ c ∴ sin θt = > 1 ⇒ cos θt = ± 1 − sin 2 θt
µ 2ε 2
The value of cos θt should be imaginary

It can be shown that
2 2
r r r* E0τ − j 2 β2 z cosθt E0τ − j 2 β2 z cosθt
∴ S = E × H = xˆ e sin θt + zˆ e cos* θt
η2 η2
For z>0, since cos θt is an imaginary number, cos θt
*
is also purely imaginary

Hence, the second term is imaginary, therefore, no real
power is flowing along z-axis in region II
The first term which has direction along x-axis is real
and is exponentially decaying with z

When a wave is incident at an angle of incidence greater
than or equal to the critical angle from region I,
the wave will be total internally reflected in region I
Surface waves exist in the region II,
which is propagating along x-axis (direction of power
flow), and
attenuating very fast along z-axis
People have used this for communications using
submarines

6.3.5 Effects on polarization:
Since any arbitrary wave incident obliquely from region I
can be decomposed into
linear combinations of TE and TM waves and
we also know that the expressions for reflection and
transmission coefficients
for parallel (TM) and perpendicular (TE) polarizations
are different
η2 cos θi − η1 cos θt η2 cos θt − η1 cos θi
ΓTE = ; ΓTM =
η2 cos θi + η1 cos θt η2 cos θt + η1 cos θi

Any arbitrary polarized electric field may be
decomposed into
TE and TM waves as follows
r r r jφ
Ei = ETM + ETE e
Hence the reflected and transmitted wave is

r r r jφ
Er = ΓTM ETM + ΓTE ETE e ;
r r r jφ
Et = τ TM ETM + τ TE ETE e

LP wave φ=0,
τ and Г are real, reflected wave is LP
Plane of polarization may changes Q ΓTE ≠ ΓTM
For total internal reflection,
τ and Г are complex since cos(θt) is imaginary,
reflected wave is EP
CP wave, r r π
ETM = ETE ; φ = ±
2
Reflected wave will be EP Q ΓTE ≠ ΓTM

So, any circularly polarized incident wave will
become elliptically polarized after reflection or
transmission
Similarly, a linearly polarized wave
(note that linear polarization could be expressed as
linear combination of RHCP and LHCP)
may be rotated after reflection

η2 cos θi − η1 cos θt η2 cos θt − η1 cos θi
ΓTE = ; ΓTM =
For instance, η2 cos θi + η1 cos θt η2 cos θt + η1 cos θi
If the region II is a perfect conductor, η2=0, Г=-1 for
both TE and TM cases,
this means a RHCP wave after reflection will become
LHCP wave and vice versa
This is why circular polarization is not used for indoor
communication systems
since we have many reflections inside a room

Plane waves reflection from a media interface
6.4 Summary
Normal incidence Oblique incidence
TE
Perfect ΓTE =
η2 cos θi − η1 cos θt
η2 cos θi + η1 cos θt
Lossy conducting conductor 2η2 cos θi
Effect on
τ TE
medium polarization
=
η2 cos θi + η1 cos θt
η −η 2η2 τ→0 and Γ→-1
Γ= 2 1; τ =
η 2 + η1 η1 + η2 TM
Brewster CPEP
Lossless η cos θt − η1 cos θi
angle
1
Savg 2
= Savg ∴ΓTM = 2 Total internal
medium η2 cos θt + η1 cos θi
1 r 1 2 1− Γ
2
2η2 cos θi
reflection
1
Savg =
2
( )
Re S 1 • zˆ = E0
2 η1
τ TM =
η2 cos θt + η1 cos θi tan θ BTM =
ε 2 n2
=
ε1 n1
Good conductor TE µ 2 n2  ε2 
θ c = sin −1  
tan θ = = ε 
B
µ1 n1  1
r+ 2 µ1ε1 sin θi
2 1− Γ > 1 ⇒ cos θt = ± 1 − sin 2 θt
S 2
avg
1
( )1
= Re S • zˆ = E0
2 2 η2
e −2αz Qθ i > θ c ∴ sin θt =
µ 2ε 2
Fig. 6.7 Plane waves reflection from media interface in a nutshell


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6.

Plane waves reflection from media

1 Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum 3/20/2018

3 Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum 3/20/2018

4 Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum 3/20/2018

7 Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum 3/20/2018

8 Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum 3/20/2018

9 Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum 3/20/2018

10 Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum 3/20/2018

For smooth surfaces,

11 Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum 3/20/2018

12 Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum 3/20/2018

Fig. 6.2 Illustration of reflected and diffracted wave in mobile

14 Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum 3/20/2018

Fig. 6.3 A plane EM wave is incident from region I or medium 1

16 Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum 3/20/2018

17 Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum 3/20/2018

18 Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum 3/20/2018

where the Γ is the reflection coefficient

19 Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum 3/20/2018

The reflected magnetic field can be obtained from the

20 Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum 3/20/2018

21 Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum 3/20/2018

shows power is flowing in the -z axis for the reflected

22 Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum 3/20/2018

where η2 is the wave impedance of lossy medium 2 and

23 Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum 3/20/2018

transmission coefficient is defined as

24 Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum 3/20/2018

25 Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum 3/20/2018

Region I (lossy medium 1) Region II (lossy medium 2)

26 Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum 3/20/2018

27 Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum 3/20/2018

28 Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum 3/20/2018

29 Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum 3/20/2018

Region I (lossless medium 1) Region II (lossless medium 2)

31 Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum 3/20/2018

32 Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum 3/20/2018

For ε1=1.0 and ε2=4.0, we have

33 Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum 3/20/2018

r1 r 1 r1 * r r r r *  E0* j β1z E0* − jβ1z 

34 Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum 3/20/2018

35 Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum 3/20/2018

37 Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum 3/20/2018

which is a good conductor

38 Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum 3/20/2018

39 Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum 3/20/2018

Region I (lossless medium) Region II (good conductor)

40 Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum 3/20/2018

42 Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum 3/20/2018

For z >0, only transmitted fields exist and

43 Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum 3/20/2018

Complex power is conserved

44 Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum 3/20/2018

is purely an imaginary number, therefore,

which shows power balance at z=0 only

45 Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum 3/20/2018

Note that the Poynting vector for z>0,

46 Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum 3/20/2018

47 Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum 3/20/2018

Perfect conductor implies σ2→∝, and

48 Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum 3/20/2018