Question

Consider a plane wave propagating in the (x,z) plane of a homogeneous medium. What do the
terms TE and TM polarization refer to? Explain (you can use a schematics if you want to).

Answer 1

TE refers to the transverse electric polarization. In case of transverse electric polarization, direction of electric field is perpendicular to the plane of propagation of plane wave. Also, since magnetic field is perpendicular to electric field,so in TE polarization, magnetic field lies along the plane of propagation

TM refers to transverse magnetic polarization. In case of transverse magnetic polarization, direction of magnetic field is perpendicular to the plane of propagation of plane wave. Also, since magnetic field is perpendicular to electric field, so in TM polarization, electric field lies along the plane of propagation.

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