Question

A plane-polarized electromagnetic wave in vacuum

E (x, t) = E₀e^ikx–iwt (in the epsilon-hat direction); cB(x, t) = k × E(x, t)

falls at an angle of incidence θ on an infinite plane dielectric of finite depth, where its reflection coefficient is R (the ratio of the incoming Poynting flux to the reflected flux). Assuming all the refracted/transmitted electromagnetic wave is eventually absorbed in the dielectric (that is it does not pass out the other side) use the stress tensor to find the normal and tangential components of the time-averaged force per unit area on the dielectric for:

(a) polarization parallel to the interface.

(b) polarization parallel to the plane of incidence Express your answers in terms of E₀, R⊥, R|| and θ (The reflection coefficient is different for the two cases above.)

Answer 1