Plane waves in dielectric matter
In a homogeneous nonmagnetic isotropic dielectric, a monochromatic plane wave has k²=ε_r(ω)ω²/c² and B₀=k×E₀/ω.
Key knowledge
In a homogeneous nonmagnetic isotropic dielectric, a monochromatic plane wave has k²=ε_r(ω)ω²/c² and B₀=k×E₀/ω. A real positive refractive index n=√ε_r gives phase velocity c/n; complex k describes attenuation and frequency dependence gives dispersion.
Values and equations
k²=ε_r(ω)ω²/c²; B₀=k×E₀/ω; v_phase=ω/Re(k)
- k
- Wavevector/wavenumber m⁻¹
- ω
- Angular frequency rad s⁻¹
- c,v_phase
- Vacuum/phase speeds m s⁻¹
- ε_r,n
- Relative permittivity and refractive index
- B₀
- Magnetic amplitude T
- E₀
- Electric amplitude V m⁻¹
Conditions and scope
- Linear local response at the stated frequency, μ=μ₀ and no free-source bulk plane wave.
- Phase velocity is not generally information or pulse velocity. A complex or anisotropic medium needs the appropriate branch and mode specification.
Sources · 1
References
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Evidence and review
Classical Electromagnetism (2014): Wave propagation in uniform dielectrics: introduction: Equations 767–775: plane-wave fields, dispersion and complex-wavenumber attenuation.
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Entry details
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