71041

Reflection From Perfect Conductors

We want to find the expression for the electromagnetic field components of the reflected

wave when a uniform piane wave is incident upon a metal boundary. We plan to use our

knowledge of the characteristic of TEM waves to guide ourselves to a solution rather than

getting lost in much algebra. We outline below the series of steps we follow in constructing

the solution, in the hope that this outline will serve as a guide to solving similar problems.

1.    Decide on suitable co-ordinates, morę to fit the boundary than to fit the wave. The reason for doing this should be discussed. The co-ordinae system is illustrated in Figurę 8.3

2.    Consider independently two linear polarizations, once again chosen to fit the boundary.

We choose here the x polarisationfirst.

3.    Set up an incident TEM piane wave. Using complex notation and the superscript i to indicate the incident wave, the wave is described by the eguations