Solve Physics Questions: Circular Polarization, Poynting Vector, Loss Tangent

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If she is wrong, it is because her claim does not take into account the fact that the reflected wave will have the same polarization as the incident wave.In summary, the conversation discusses the possibility of converting a circularly polarized plane wave into a linearly polarized one by reflecting it from a suitable dielectric material with refractive index n. The researcher claims that this can be achieved for normal incidence, but this is not possible as the reflected wave will have the same polarization as the incident wave. The conversation also mentions the calculation of the loss tangent of the medium and the ratio of complex magnetic field amplitudes for a source of unidirectional plane waves. The equations for phase and group velocity are also mentioned.
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2) A researcher claims that she can convert a circularly polarized plane wave in air into a linearly polarized one by simply reflecting it from a suitably chosen lossless nonmagnetic dieletric. Assume the dielectric she will use has refractive index n. Is this feat possible for normail incidence, as she claims? Calculate the reflected wave to justify your answer. If she is right, is there a mininum value of n for this to work? If she is wrong; briefly explain why, based on your calculation.



3) A source of unidirection plane waves operates within a medium with moderate conductivity sigma. Suppose we measure the complex electric field amplitudes at the source and at some distance z and find that E(z)/E(0)-0.3-j0.4.
(a) Calculate the loss tangent sigma/(omega*epsilon) of the medium. (Give a numerical value)

(b) What is the ratio of complex magnetic field amplitudes H(z)/H(0) for the same z?




equation for phase velocity: Vp=Vp(omega)=omega/k= c*omega/squarerootof(omega^2-omega^2) Note: The second omega^2 is the cuttoff frequency


equation for group velocity: Vg=Vg(omega)=c*squarerootof(omega^2-omega^2)/(omega)
Note: The second omega^2 is the cuttoff frequency.


c=the speed of light 3 X 10^8 m/s


Circular Polarization: E(0)=Eox=1/2Eo(x+jy) +1/2Eo=(x-jy)
Note: j=the imaginary complex number
E(z)=1/2*Eo(x+jy)*e^-j(ko+K)z+1/2*Eo(x-jy)*e^-j(ko-K)z

Poynting Vector: The Vector E X H is the Poynting Vector. It gives the power per unit area that flows at a point;


Loss Tangent:Theta/(omega*epsilon)
 
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= sigma/(omega*epsilon).Answer to Question 2: No, it is not possible for normal incidence as she claims. The reflected wave will be the same as the incident wave since the reflection coefficient for a lossless nonmagnetic dielectric with normal incidence is 1. There is no minimum value of n required for this to work since the reflection coefficient is independent of n.
 

FAQ: Solve Physics Questions: Circular Polarization, Poynting Vector, Loss Tangent

1. What is circular polarization in physics?

Circular polarization is a type of electromagnetic wave polarization where the electric field vector rotates in a circular motion as the wave propagates. It is characterized by equal amplitude and phase between two orthogonal components of the electric field.

2. How is circular polarization represented mathematically?

Circular polarization can be represented mathematically by using complex numbers and the concept of phasors. The electric field vector in circular polarization is described by a complex number, where the real part represents the horizontal component and the imaginary part represents the vertical component.

3. What is the Poynting vector in physics?

The Poynting vector is a mathematical quantity that describes the directional flow of energy in an electromagnetic wave. It is defined as the cross product of the electric field vector and the magnetic field vector, and its direction represents the direction of energy flow.

4. How is the Poynting vector related to circular polarization?

In circular polarization, the Poynting vector is perpendicular to the direction of propagation and is constantly rotating in the same direction as the electric field vector. This means that the energy is being transferred in a circular motion, which is characteristic of circular polarization.

5. What is loss tangent and how does it relate to circular polarization?

Loss tangent is a measure of the amount of energy lost in a material when an electromagnetic wave passes through it. In circularly polarized waves, the loss tangent is directly related to the circular polarization ratio, which is the ratio of the power in the circularly polarized component to the total power. A higher loss tangent means a lower circular polarization ratio and a less perfect circular polarization state.

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