6.

Plane waves reflection from media

interface
Dr. Rakhesh Singh Kshetrimayum

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

3/25/2014

6.1 Introduction
Plane waves reflection
from a media interface
Normal
incidence

Perfect
conductor

Lossy conducting
medium

Good
conductor

Oblique
incidence
TE
TM
Brewster angle

Effect on
polarization

Total internal reflection

Lossless medium
Fig. 6.1 Plane waves reflection from media interface
2

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

3/25/2014

6.1 Introduction

Till now, we have studied plane waves in various medium

Let us try to explore how plane waves will behave at a media

interface

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

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

3/25/2014

6.1 Introduction

The ratio of the two (reflected wave/incident wave) is

known as the reflection coefficient of the surface

This ratio depends on the

conductivity (),

permittivity () and

permeability ()

of the material that forms the reflective surface

as well as material properties of the

air

from which the radio wave is incident

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

3/25/2014

6.1 Introduction

Some part of the wave will be transmitted through the

material

How much of the incident wave has been transmitted
through the material 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

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

3/25/2014

6.1 Introduction

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 and

apply the boundary conditions

to get the values of the

transmission and

reflection coefficients

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

3/25/2014

6.1 Introduction

One of the possible applications of such an exercise is in

wireless communication,

where we have to find the

transmission and

reflection coefficients of

multipaths

Electromagnetic waves are often

reflected or

scattered or

diffracted

at one or more obstacles before arriving at the receiver

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

3/25/2014

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

8

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

3/25/2014

6.1 Introduction

Fig. 6.2 Illustration of reflected and diffracted wave in mobile

communications (this chapters study will be very helpful in
understanding wireless and mobile communications)
9

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

3/25/2014

6.2 Plane wave reflection from media

interface at normal incidence

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)
10

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

3/25/2014

6.2 Plane wave reflection from media

interface at normal incidence

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
o e1z
Ei = xE
r
1

H i = y Eo e 1z

11

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

3/25/2014

6.2 Plane wave reflection from media

interface at normal incidence

where 1 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
1 =

12

j1

j1
j1 ( j1 + 1 )

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

j1
j
; 1 = 1 + j 1 = j 11 1 1
j1 + 1
1

3/25/2014

6.2 Plane wave reflection from media

interface at normal incidence
rr
EEii
r
Hi
r

r
1

i
1

r
Et
r
Ht

t
2

rr
E
Err
r
Hr

1 , 1 , 1

2 , 2 , 2

Fig. 6.3 A plane EM wave is incident from region I or medium 1 for z<0
13

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

3/25/2014

6.2 Plane wave reflection from media

interface at normal incidence

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, r
reflected and t
transmitted

14

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

3/25/2014

6.2 Plane wave reflection from media

interface at normal incidence

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 = xEo e + 1z

where the is the reflection coefficient

15

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

3/25/2014

6.2 Plane wave reflection from media

interface at normal incidence

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
Ei

The reflected magnetic field can be obtained from the

reflected electric field using the Maxwells curl equations as

16

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

3/25/2014

6.2 Plane wave reflection from media

interface at normal incidence
r
r
Er = j1 H r
r
r
r
Er
j E r
j
Hr =
=
=
j1
1
1

= y

x
Eo e + 1z

y
0

z
0

1
j
j
+1z
+ 1z

E
e
=
y

E
e
=

y
Eo e + 1z

o
1
o
j1
1 z
1

H r = y Eo e + 1z

17

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

3/25/2014

6.2 Plane wave reflection from media

interface at normal incidence

Therefore, the Poynting vector for reflected wave of region I

is

r
r r*
z
2
2
S r = Er H r == Eo e +2 z *

shows power is traveling 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),

18

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

3/25/2014

6.2 Plane wave reflection from media

interface at normal incidence
r
E t = xE o e 2 z
r
E
H t = y o e 2 z

where 2 is the wave impedance of lossy medium 2 and is

the transmission coefficient

intrinsic wave impedance and propagation constant are

19

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

3/25/2014

6.2 Plane wave reflection from media

interface at normal incidence
2 =

j 2

j 2
j 2 ( j 2 + 2 )

j 2
j
; 2 = 2 + j 2 = j 2 2 1 2
j 2 + 2
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:
=

20

Et
Ei

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

3/25/2014

6.2 Plane wave reflection from media

interface at normal incidence

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

21

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

3/25/2014

6.2 Plane wave reflection from media

interface at normal incidence
Table 6.1 Fields in the two lossy regions (normal incidence)
Region I (lossy medium 1)

r
o e1z
Ei = xE
r
Er = xEo e + 1z

22

Region II (lossy medium 2)

r
1
H i = y Eo e 1z

r
r
Eo 2 z

2
H
=
y
e

t
E t = xE o e

H r = y Eo e + 1z

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

3/25/2014

6.2 Plane wave reflection from media

interface at normal incidence

This is basically boundary value problem with boundary

23

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

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

3/25/2014

6.2 Plane wave reflection from media

interface at normal incidence
r r
r
Ei + Er = Et

z =0

r
r
r
Hi + H r = Ht

Therefore,
1

(1 + ) E0 = E0 1 + =

1
1
E0
=
E
=

0
z =0
1
2
1
2

1 1+
2 1
=

=
(1 ) 2 = 1 (1 + ) =
2
1
2
2 + 1

Hence,
= 1+ = 1+

24

2 1
2 2
=
2 + 1 1 + 2

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

3/25/2014

6.2 Plane wave reflection from media

interface at normal incidence
6.2.2 Lossless medium

If the regions are lossless dielectric,

then, = 0 and and are real quantities

The propagation constant for this case is purely imaginary

and can be written as

= j =j()

The wave impedance of the dielectric is

= j = j =

25

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

r
r

3/25/2014

6.2 Plane wave reflection from media

interface at normal incidence

For a lossless medium,

is real, so,

both and are real

Electric and magnetic fields are in phase with each other

The wavelength in the dielectric is
2
2

=
=

And the phase velocity is
c

1
v
p =


=
=

r r

where c is the speed of light in free space

26

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

3/25/2014

6.2 Plane wave reflection from media

interface at normal incidence
Table 6.2 Fields in the two lossless regions (normal incidence)

Region I (lossless medium 1)

27

r
o e j 1z
Ei = xE

r
1
H i = y Eo e j 1 z

r
Er = xEo e + j 1z

H r = y Eo e + j 1z

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

Region II (lossless medium 2)

r
E
H t = y o e j 2 z

r
Et = x Eo e j 2 z

3/25/2014

6.2 Plane wave reflection from media

interface at normal incidence

Applying the boundary conditions like before,

we can get the expression for

reflection and

transmission coefficients,

we will get the same expression as before

2 1
=
;
2 + 1

28

2 2
1 + 2

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

3/25/2014

6.2 Plane wave reflection from media

interface at normal incidence

Poynting vector in region I
r1 r 1
r1
S = Etot H tot

r r
r
r
= Ei + Er H i + H r

) (

) (

) = (E e
0

j 1 z

x + E0e

+ j 1 z

E0* j 1z
E0* j1z
x e y e
y
1
1

2
E0 2 E0 2 e 2 j 1z E0 2 e +2 j 1z 2 E0 2
E0 2

E
0
=

1 2 ) +
e+2 j1z e 2 j 1z
(
z =
1
1
1
1
1
1

2
E0 2

0
2
=
1 )
2 j sin ( 2 1 z ) z
(
1
1

29

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

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6.2 Plane wave reflection from media

interface at normal incidence

Poynting vector in region II
*

2
2
r2 r r *
E0
E0 j 2 z
j 2 z

S = Et H t = x E0 e

e
y=z
2
2

(
)

4
1
42

2
1
2 1
Q1 2 = 1
=

=
2
2
2

( 2 1) ( 2 1)
( 2 1)
1

30

2
2

2 2
4
2 =
2
2 + 1

+
( 2 1)

2
r
1

E0
(
)
1

= S = z

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

3/25/2014

6.2 Plane wave reflection from media

interface at normal incidence
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
S

1
avg

r1
1
1
1
2
21
= Re S z = E0
2
2
1

And for z >0, the time average power flow through 1m2

cross section is
S

31

2
avg

2
r2
1
1
2 1
= Re S z = E0
2
2
1

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

3/25/2014

6.2 Plane wave reflection from media

interface at normal incidence

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

32

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

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6.2 Plane wave reflection from media

interface at normal incidence
2 = 2 + j 2 = (1 + j )

where

2 2
2

= (1 + j )

s2

is the skin depth for the medium 2,

which is a good conductor

Similarly, the intrinsic impedance of the conducting medium
2 (see also example 6.2) simplifies to
2
s

2 ( 2 )
j
j
2 2
2 =
=
=
=
2

1+ j
2 1 + j 2
(1 + j )
2
j (1 j )
j + 1) 2 2 ( j + 1) 2 2
(
2 2
2
j
=
=
=
=
+
1
(
)
2

2
(1 + j )(1 j )
(1 j 2 )
j 2

33

j 2

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

3/25/2014

6.2 Plane wave reflection from media

interface at normal incidence

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 and 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

34

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

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6.2 Plane wave reflection from media

interface at normal incidence
Table 6.4 Fields in the two regions (normal incidence)
Region I (lossless medium)

Region II (good conductor)

r
o e j1z
Ei = xE

r
1
H i = y Eo e j 1z

r
Er = xEo e + j 1z

r
Et = x Eo e 2 z

H r = y Eo e + j1z

r
E
H t = y o e 2 z

35

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

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6.2 Plane wave reflection from media

interface at normal incidence

Applying the boundary conditions like before,

we can get the expression for

reflection and

transmission coefficients,

we will get the same expression as before

=

36

2 1
2 2
; =
2 + 1
1 + 2

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

3/25/2014

6.2 Plane wave reflection from media

interface at normal incidence

Note that we have to use the previous expressions for

intrinsic wave impedances for lossless medium and good

conductor

1 =
;

2 = (1 + j )

2
2 2

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
37

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

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6.2 Plane wave reflection from media

interface at normal incidence
r1 r 1
r1
S = Etot H tot

E0

r r
r
r
= Ei + Er H i + H r

) (

) (

) = (E e
0

j 1 z

x + E0 e

+ j 1 z

*
E0* j 1z
* E0 j 1 z
x e y
e
y
1
1

(1 e

* 2 j 1 z

+ e +2 j 1z

) z

For z >0, only transmitted fields exist and we can write

down the Poynting vector as

2
2
* *
r2 r r *

E
*

0
2 z
S = Et H t = x ( E0 e z ) * 0 e z y = z
e
2*
2

38

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

3/25/2014

6.2 Plane wave reflection from media

interface at normal incidence

At z=0,
r1 E0
S =

1 * +

) z

2
2
r 2 E0 2 2
4 E0 2
E0
2
*

S =
z
=
z
=
1

z
2
*
2
1
(1 + 2 )

Complex power is conserved

Then the time average power flow through a 1m2 cross

section can be calculated as follows

Since
39

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

3/25/2014

6.2 Plane wave reflection from media

interface at normal incidence
*e 2 j 1z + e +2 j 1z

is purely an imaginary number, therefore,
1
S avg

2
S avg

2
r
1

1
1
2
= Re S 1 z = E0
2
2
1

2
r2
1

1
1
2
e 2z
= Re S z = E0
2
2
2

which shows power balance at z=0 only

40

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

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6.2 Plane wave reflection from media

interface at normal incidence

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

41

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

3/25/2014

6.2 Plane wave reflection from media

interface at normal incidence
2 = 2 + j 2 = (1 + j )

2 = (1 + j )

2 2
2

= (1 + j )

s2

2
2 2

Perfect conductor implies 2, and

correspondingly, 2, s20, 20

Note that

22

, = 2 1
1 + 2
2 + 1

Therefore, 0 and -1

42

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

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6.2 Plane wave reflection from media

interface at normal incidence
Table 6.5 Fields in the two regions (normal incidence)
Region I (lossless medium)

r
o e j 1z
Ei = xE

r
Er = xEo e + j 1z

43

Region II (perfect conductor)

r
1
H i = y Eo e j 1 z

H r = y Eo e + j1z

r
Et 0

r
Ht 0

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

3/25/2014

6.2 Plane wave reflection from media

interface at normal incidence

The field for z >0 thus decay infinitely fast and

are identically zero in the perfect conductor as we have seen

in example 6.2 as well

The perfect conductor can be thought of as shorting out the
incident electric field

Now let us write down the field expressions in region I and II
for lossless dielectric and perfect conductor interface (see
Table 6.5)

44

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

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6.2 Plane wave reflection from media

interface at normal incidence
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 (=-1)

r1
r r
0 e j 1z e j 1z = x 2 jE0 sin 1 z
Etot = Ei + Er = xE

45

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

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6.2 Plane wave reflection from media

interface at normal incidence
r1
r
E
E
H tot = H i + H r = y 0 e j 1 z + e j 1z = y 2 0 cos 1 z

Therefore, the Poynting vector for z<0 is

r1
r1
1
S = Etot H tot

= zj

4 E0

sin 1 z cos 1 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
46

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

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6.3 Plane wave reflection from media

interface at oblique incidence

We will consider the problem of a plane wave

obliquely incident on a plane interface

between two lossy conducting regions

We will first consider two particular cases of this problem as

follows:

the electric field is in the xz plane (parallel polarization)

the electric field is in normal to the xz plane (perpendicular

polarization)

47

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

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6.3 Plane wave reflection from media

interface at oblique incidence

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

48

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

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6.3 Plane wave reflection from media

interface at oblique incidence

For Fig. 6.4, this is the xz plane

For perpendicular polarization (TE),

electric field is perpendicular to the plane of incidence

For parallel polarization (TM),

electric field is parallel to the plane of incidence

49

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

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6.3 Plane wave reflection from media

interface at oblique incidence
x

r r
Er , H r

r r
Et , H t

r
i

r r
Ei , H i

, ,
1

2 , 2 , 2

Region I

Region II

Fig. 6.5 Oblique incidence of plane EM wave at a media interface

50

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

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6.3 Plane wave reflection from media

interface at oblique incidence
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

51

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

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x
r

ri

1 sin i
n

1 cos i

r
1 cos r

1 sin r
z

2 sin t
n

2t
t

2 cos t

Fig. 6.6 Wave propagation vector for (a) incident (b) reflected and (c) transmitted
EM waves
at oblique incidence
Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum
52

3/25/2014

6.3 Plane wave reflection from media

interface at oblique incidence

Let us assume that the incident wave propagates in the first

quadrant of xz plane without loss of generality and

r

(incident propagation vector) makes an angle i with
the normal (see Fig. 6.6 (a))
i

1i z ' = ( 1 cos i z + 1 sin i x ) ( zz + xx ) = 1 cos i z + 1 sin i x = 1 ( z cos i + x sin i )

r
z cos + x sin i )
Ei = E0 e 1 ( i
y
r
r
r
r
Ei
Q Ei = j1 H i H i =
j1

53

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

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6.3 Plane wave reflection from media

interface at oblique incidence
x

=
j1 x

E0 e

1 ( z cosi + x sin i )

z
z cos + x sin i )
E0 e 1 ( i

=

z j1
z

e 1 ( z cosi + x sin i )
x +

x

E0 e 1 ( z cosi + x sini ) e 1 ( z cosi + x sin i )

=
x

j1
z
x

E z cos + x sin i )
= 0 e 1( i
( x cos i + z sin i )

E0 1 1 ( z cosi + x sin i )
z =
e
{ cos i x + z sin i }

54

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

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6.3 Plane wave reflection from media

interface at oblique incidence

Let us assume that the reflected wave propagates in the

second quadrant of xz plane and

rr

1
(reflected propagation vector) makes an angle r with
the normal (see Fig. 6.6 (b))
r

1r z ' = ( 1 cos r z + 1 sin r x ) ( zz + xx ) = 1 cos r z + 1 sin r x = 1 ( z cos r + x sin r )

r
z cos r + x sin r )
Er = E0 TE e 1 (
y

55

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

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6.3 Plane wave reflection from media

interface at oblique incidence
r

Note that 1r

and

1i

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
E
z cos r + x sin r )
H r = 0 TE e 1 (
( x cos r + z sin r )

You could also use the Maxwells curl equation below to find
r
r
Er
this
Hr =
j1
56

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

3/25/2014

6.3 Plane wave reflection from media

interface at oblique incidence

The transmitted fields will have similar expression with the

incident fields except

that now the i should be replaced by t (angle that transmitted

propagation vector makes with the normal),

1 should be replaced by 2 (wave is in region II now) and

multiplication by (transmission coefficient)

The transmitted fields are

r
0 TE e 2 ( z cost + x sint )
Et = yE

r
r
Et E0 TE 2 ( z cost + x sin t )
Ht =
=
e
( x cos t + z sin t )
2
j2

57

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

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6.3 Plane wave reflection from media

interface at oblique incidence
Table 6.5 Fields in two regions (oblique incidence:
perpendicular polarization)
Region I (lossy medium 1)
r
z cos + x sin i )
Ei = E0e 1 ( i
y
r
E z cos + x sin i )
H i = 0 e 1( i
( x cos i + z sin i )

r
z cosr + x sin r )
Er = E0 TE e 1 (
y

Region II (lossy medium 2)

r
0 TE e 2 ( z cost + x sint )
Et = yE
r
E
z cos + x sin t )
H t = 0 TE e 2 ( t
( x cos t + z sin t )

r
E
z cos + x sin i )
H r = 0 TE e 1 ( i
( x cos r + z sin r )

58

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

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6.3 Plane wave reflection from media

interface at oblique incidence

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
1

59

e 1x sin i + TE e 1x sin r = TE e 2 x sin t

cos i e 1x sin i +

TE

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

cos r e 1x sin r =

TE
cos t e
2

2 x sin t

3/25/2014

6.3 Plane wave reflection from media

interface at oblique incidence

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)
1 sin i = 1 sin r = 2 sin t
i = r ; 1 sin i = 2 sin t

60

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

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6.3 Plane wave reflection from media

interface at oblique incidence

The first is Snells law of reflection

which states that the angle of incidence equals the angle of

reflection

The second result is the Snells 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

n=

61

c
=
vp

r r 0 0
= r r
0 0

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

3/25/2014

6.3 Plane wave reflection from media

interface at oblique incidence

hence, for a lossless dielectric media,
sin i 2 2
=
=
=
sin t 1 1

2 2 v1

n
= = 2 = 2
11 v2
1 n1

Now we can simplify above two equations by applying Snells

two laws as follows

1 + TE = TE

62

cos i

+ TE

cos r

TE
cos t
2

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

3/25/2014

6.3 Plane wave reflection from media

interface at oblique incidence

The above two equations has two unknowns TE and TE and

it can be solved easily as follows

cos i

TE =

TE

cos r 2

1 cos t

1 + TE = TE

Therefore,
cos i
2 cos r
cos r
1 + TE = 2
TE 2

TE 1 +
cos
cos

t
1
t
1
1 cos t
cos t + 2 cos r
TE 1
1 cos t

63

2 cos i 1 cos t
=
1 cos t

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

2 cos i
1
=
cos

t
1

2 cos i 1 cos t

TE
1 cos t + 2 cos r

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6.3 Plane wave reflection from media

interface at oblique incidence
TE = 1 + TE = 1 +

2 cos i 1 cos t 1 cos t + 2 cos r + 2 cos i 1 cos t

22 cos i
=
=
1 cos t + 2 cos r
1 cos t + 2 cos r
1 cos t + 2 cos r

Hence, the reflection and transmission coefficients for

oblique incidence (Fresnel coefficients) for perpendicular

polarization are given as follows:
TE =

2 cos i 1 cos t
2 cos i + 1 cos t

TE =

22 cos i
2 cos i + 1 cos t

For normal incidence, it is a particular case and put

i = r = t = 0
64

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

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6.3 Plane wave reflection from media

interface at oblique incidence
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
E
H i = y 0 e 1 ( z cos i + x sin i )

65

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

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6.3 Plane wave reflection from media

interface at oblique incidence
r
r
r
r Hi
Q H = j1 E Ei =
j1
x
1
=
j1 x
0
=

66

E0 1
j11

y
E0

z
E0 e1 ( z cosi + x sin i )

=

z
j11
z

1 ( z cosi + x sin i )

1 ( z cosi + x sin i )

e1 ( z cosi + x sin i )
x +

x

{cos i x z sin i } = E0e ( z cos + x sin ) ( cos i x z sin i )

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

3/25/2014

6.3 Plane wave reflection from media

interface at oblique incidence

Similar to the previous case of parallel polarization, we can

write the reflected magnetic field vector as

r
E
1 ( z cosr + x sin r )
H r = y 0 TM ye

The transmitted fields will have similar expression with the

incident fields except that

now the i should be replaced by t (angle that transmitted

propagation vector makes with the normal),

1 should be replaced by 2 (wave is in region II) and

multiplied by a factor (transmission coefficient for TM case)
67

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

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6.3 Plane wave reflection from media

interface at oblique incidence
r
( z cost + x sin t )
Et = E0 TM e 2
( x cos t z sin t )
r
E z cos + x sint )
H t = y TM 0 e 2 ( t

Table 6.6 Fields in two regions (oblique incidence: parallel

polarization) {next page}

68

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

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6.3 Plane wave reflection from media

interface at oblique incidence
Region I (lossy medium 1)
r
z cos + x sin i )
Ei = E0e 1 ( i
( cos i x z sin i )
r
E
H i = y 0 e 1 ( z cos i + x sin i )

r
z cos r + x sin r )
Er = E0TM e 1 (
{cos r x + z sin i }

Region II (lossy medium 2)

r
( z cost + x sin t )
Et = E0 TM e 2
( x cos t z sin t )

r
E z cos + x sin t )
H t = y TM 0 e 2 ( t

r
E
1 ( z cosr + x sin r )
H r = y 0 TM ye

69

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

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6.3 Plane wave reflection from media

interface at oblique incidence

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 1x sin i cos i + e 1x sin r TM cos r = TM e 2 x sin t cos t

e 1x sin i

1
70

TM e1x sin r

TM e x sin
=
2

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

3/25/2014

6.3 Plane wave reflection from media

interface at oblique incidence

Therefore,

1 sin i = 1 sin r = 2 sin t

i = r ; 1 sin i = 2 sin t

which is Snells law of reflection and refraction and this

implies that

cos i + TM cos r = TM cos t

1

71

(1 TM ) =

TM
2

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

3/25/2014

6.3 Plane wave reflection from media

interface at oblique incidence

The above two equations has two unknowns TM and TM and

it can be easily solved as follows

TM =

cos i + TM cos r
cos t

TM =

2
(1 TM )
1

Therefore,
cos i + TM cos r 2
cos i TM cos r

= (1 TM ) 2 (1 TM ) =
+
cos t
1
1
cos t
cos t
cos r cos i 2
2 cos t 1 cos r
TM 2
=

TM
1 cos t
1 cos t cos t 1

cos t 1 cos i 2 cos t 1 cos i

TM = 2
=
2 cos t + 1 cos r 2 cos t + 1 cos i
72

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

1 cos i 2 cos t
=

1 cos t

3/25/2014

6.3 Plane wave reflection from media

interface at oblique incidence
TM =
=

2
cos t 1 cos i 2 2 cos t + 1 cos i 2 cos t + 1 cos i
(1 TM ) = 2 1 2
=

1
1 2 cos t + 1 cos i 1
2 cos t + 1 cos i

21 cos i
22 cos i
2

=
1 2 cos t + 1 cosi 2 cost + 1 cosi

Hence, the reflection and transmission coefficients for oblique

incidence (Fresnel coefficients) for parallel polarization are given as

follows:
TM

22 cos i
2 cos t 1 cos i

=
=
TM
2 cos t + 1 cos i
2 cos t + 1 cos i

Note that cosine terms multiplication in the above equations is

different from the previous expression for TE waves

73

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

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6.3 Plane wave reflection from media

interface at oblique incidence
6.3.3 Brewster angle:

For =0, the angle of incidence is known as Brewster angle
(B)

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

74

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

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6.3 Plane wave reflection from media

interface at oblique incidence

For parallel polarization,
i = BTM

TM =

2 cos t 1 cos i
=0
2 cos t + 1 cos i

2 cos t = 1 cos BTM

Also we have from 2nd Snells law

1 sin BTM = 2 sin t

75

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

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6.3 Plane wave reflection from media

interface at oblique incidence

Using the above two equations, we can get (see textbook)

sin 2 BTM

12

1
2

= 2
2
1 1
22 22

For lossless media, we have,

2
1
1 2
=
2 1

12 2 2
1

2
2
2
2

2 2 2 12 1
12
Q 2 = 2 =
=
; 2 =
sin 2 BTM
2
2 1
112 12 2 2 2
1

76

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

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6.3 Plane wave reflection from media

interface at oblique incidence

For magnetic media,
2

TM

sin B

1 = 2

is of the form 1/0 and Brewster angle does not

exist

But, for dielectric media, it exist and can be calculated as
follows
sin BTM

77

2
1
n
1
2

=
=
tan BTM = 2 = 2
2 1
2 + 1
1 n1

1 2

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

3/25/2014

6.3 Plane wave reflection from media

interface at oblique incidence

For perpendicular polarization,

Similarly, Brewsters angle doesnt exist for perpendicular

polarization at oblique incidence for a non-magnetic or

dielectric medium (see textbook for derivation)

For magnetic medium
sin 2 BTE =

78

2 1 ( 2 )
2

( 1 ) ( 2 )

2
1 + 2

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

sin BTE =

2
1 + 2

; tan BTE =

2 n2
=
1 n1

3/25/2014

6.3 Plane wave reflection from media

interface at oblique incidence

Brewster angle exist for oblique incidence (perpendicular

79

polarization) for interface between two magnetic media

An incident wave consisting of both polarizations will have
reflected wave for only one polarization for Brewster angle
Brewster angle is also known as Polarizing angle (used in
optics and lasers)
In other words, an incident wave which is composed of both
TE and TM waves will have reflected TE (TM) waves only for
dielectric (magnetic) media interface
Thus, a circularly polarized incident wave at polarizing angle
will become a linearly polarized wave

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

3/25/2014

6.3 Plane wave reflection from media

interface at oblique incidence
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

This critical angle is related to the refractive index of the two

media and is given by

n2

n
1

c = sin 1

where are the refractive index of medium 2 and 1

respectively

80

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

3/25/2014

6.3 Plane wave reflection from media

interface at oblique incidence

In fact, this can be observed for both the polarizations we

have discussed above

From Snells Second law, we have,

1 sin i = 2 sin t sin i =

2 sin t
1

If we consider non-magnetic materials (dielectrics) of , in

that case,

2 sin t
sin i =
1

81

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

3/25/2014

6.3 Plane wave reflection from media

interface at oblique incidence

Hence, for
i = c ,t =

(it means the transmitted wave travels along the interface, for

our case, it is x-axis) which implies that

2
2
1
sin c =
c = sin

1
1

82

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

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6.3 Plane wave reflection from media

interface at oblique incidence

We can write the above relation as
0 r 2 0 r 2
2
1
=
sin

1
0 r1 0 r1

c = sin 1

r 2 r 2
1
=
sin

r1 r1

1 n2
=
sin

n1

Note that 1 > 2 to have a real value of critical angle

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

83

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

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6.3 Plane wave reflection from media

interface at oblique incidence

What will happen when the angle of incidence is greater than

the critical angle?

For all angles greater than the critical angle,

using Snells second law, and

noting that waves are moving from a denser to a rarer dielectric

medium,

r1 = r 2 = 1

1 > 2

Qi > c sin t =

11 sin i
> 1 cos t = 1 sin 2 t
2 2

The value of cos t

84

should be imaginary

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

3/25/2014

6.3 Plane wave reflection from media

interface at oblique incidence

It can be shown that (see textbook for derivation)
2
2
r r r*
E0 j 2 2 z cost
E0 j 2 2 z cost
S = E H = x
e
sin t + z
e
cos* t

For z>0, since cos t is an imaginary number, cos* t 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

85

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

3/25/2014

6.3 Plane wave reflection from media

interface at oblique incidence

Hence,

When a wave is incident at an angle of incidence greater than

86

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

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

3/25/2014

6.3 Plane wave reflection from media

interface at oblique incidence
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 and perpendicular
polarizations are different
TE =

87

2 cos i 1 cos t
;
2 cos i + 1 cos t

TM =

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

2 cos t 1 cos i
2 cos t + 1 cos i

3/25/2014

6.3 Plane wave reflection from media

interface at oblique incidence

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

88

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

3/25/2014

6.3 Plane wave reflection from media

interface at oblique incidence

For instance,

If the region II is a perfect conductor, 2=0, =-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

89

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

3/25/2014

Plane waves reflection from a media interface

6.4 Summary
Normal incidence

1
Savg
=

Lossless
medium

TM

2
r
1
1
2 1
Re S 1 z = E0
2
2
1

TM =

Good conductor

2
avg

TE =

TE

0 and -1

22
= 2 1; =
1 + 2
2 + 1
1
2
Savg
= Savg

TE

Perfect
conductor

Lossy conducting
medium

2 cos i 1 cos t
2 cos i + 1 cos t

TM

22 cos i
2 cos t + 1 cos i

Effect on
polarization

22 cos i
=
2 cos i + 1 cos t

cos t 1 cos i
= 2
2 cos t + 1 cos i

2
r+
1
1
2 1
= Re S z = E0
e 2z
2
2
2

Oblique incidence

Brewster
angle
tan BTM =
tan

TE
B

2 n2
=
1 n1

2 n2
=
=
1 n1

Q i > c sin t =

CP
EP

Total internal
reflection
2

c = sin 1

11 sin i
> 1 cos t = 1 sin 2 t
2 2

Fig. 6.7 Plane waves reflection from media interface in a nutshell

90

Electromagnetic Field Theory by R. S. Kshetrimayum

3/25/2014