Poynting Vector in Total Internal Reflection Wave (TIR)

In summary, the Poynting Vector in Total Internal Reflection Wave (TIR) is a mathematical quantity that represents the directional flow of electromagnetic energy and is closely related to TIR. Its magnitude is affected by factors such as angle of incidence, refractive indices, and wavelength, and it is calculated by taking the cross product of the electric and magnetic field vectors. The significance of the Poynting Vector lies in its ability to quantify and understand energy flow in TIR, making it important in various applications and the study of electromagnetic waves.
  • #1
neworder1
66
0
I have the following homework problem: a monochromatic plane wave travels from medium 1 to medium 2 and experiences total internal reflection. Find the normal and parallel components of the Poynting vector, discuss the results with respect to the wave's polarization.

Now, I think that the vector just doesn't depend on the polarization, and the calculation is pretty simple, so either the problem is trivial or I don't understand something. Any hints?
 
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  • #2
neworder1 said:
I think that the vector just doesn't depend on the polarization

A circularly polarized wave changes sense upon reflection.

Regards,

Bill
 

1. What is the Poynting Vector in Total Internal Reflection Wave (TIR)?

The Poynting Vector in Total Internal Reflection Wave (TIR) is a mathematical quantity that represents the directional flow of electromagnetic energy in a TIR wave. It is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction, and is used to calculate the intensity and direction of the electromagnetic radiation in TIR.

2. How is the Poynting Vector related to Total Internal Reflection?

The Poynting Vector is closely related to Total Internal Reflection. It is used to describe the flow of energy in a TIR wave, which occurs when light is reflected at the boundary between two materials with different refractive indices at an angle greater than the critical angle. The Poynting Vector is used to calculate the intensity of the reflected light in TIR.

3. What factors affect the magnitude of the Poynting Vector in TIR?

The magnitude of the Poynting Vector in TIR is affected by several factors, including the angle of incidence, the refractive indices of the two materials, and the wavelength of the incident light. A larger angle of incidence or a larger difference in refractive indices will result in a larger Poynting Vector, while a shorter wavelength will decrease the magnitude of the vector.

4. How is the Poynting Vector calculated in TIR?

The Poynting Vector in TIR is calculated by taking the cross product of the electric field vector and the magnetic field vector at a specific point in space. This calculation takes into account the direction and magnitude of the electric and magnetic fields, as well as the angle of incidence and the refractive indices of the two materials.

5. What is the significance of the Poynting Vector in TIR?

The Poynting Vector is significant in TIR because it provides a way to quantify and understand the flow of energy in a TIR wave. It is used to calculate the intensity and direction of the reflected light, which is important in applications such as fiber optics, optical isolators, and total internal reflection microscopy. Additionally, the Poynting Vector is an essential concept in the study of electromagnetic waves and their behavior at interfaces.

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