New Types of Orthonormal Electromagnetic Beams in Complex Media and Free Space
Abstract : Vector plane-wave superpositions defined by a given set of orthonormal scalar functions on a two- or three- dimensional manifold are treated. We present a technique for composing orthonormal electromagnetic beams in complex media and free space. New families of exact time-harmonic solutions of the homogeneous Maxwell equations in linear media (isotropic, chiral, anisotropic, and bianisotropic) and free space, which describe orthonormal electro magnetic beams, are obtained.
Orthonormal Beams with Applications to Characterizing Electromagnetic Fields and Complex Mediums
Summary We present an approach to characterizing electromagnetic fields and complex mediums, based on the use of new families of electromagnetic beams. They are defined by a given set of orthonormal scalar functions on a two- or three-dimensional manifold. Each family consists of orthonormalexact solutions of Maxwell's equations, which differ substantially from thewell-known approximate solutions (the Hermite-Gaussian and Laguerre-Gaussian beams). A promising type of such beams-orthonormal beams defined by thespherical harmonics-is discussed. The proposed approach makes it possible to characterize complex mediums by using beams focused into a small spot on the sample surface.
Vector Transmission-Line and Circuit Theory for Bi-Isotropic Layered Structures
Vector transmission-line theory is introduced for problems involving plane wave propagation, reflection and transmission in multilayered general bi-isotropic (BI) structures. The structure is replaced by a transmission line with vector voltage and current quantities and dyadic line parameters. The characteristic admittance and propagation factor are both dyadic quantities, which have different expressions for waves propagating in opposite directions along the transmission line. Vector circuit theory, developed earlier for plane-wave propagation and reflection problems in layered chiral and general BI structures, is formulated in terms of vector transmission line parameters. The theory is verified by checking special cases. It is claimed that, with the present formalism, analysis can be done more systematically, with less effort and particular results can be memorized more easily than when operating with scalar component quantities. Numerical examples show new and interesting results indicating possible ap...