Huygens principle from Kirchoff Integral (sign doubt)

In summary: Therefore, the Huygens-Fresnel formula can be seen as an application of the Kirchoff integral theorem. In summary, the Kirchoff integral theorem and the Huygens-Fresnel principle/formula are both mathematical principles used to describe the behavior of waves. The Kirchoff integral calculates the electric field at a point using an arbitrary closed surface, while the Huygens-Fresnel formula calculates the complex amplitude at a point using a spherical surface. The Huygens-Fresnel formula can be seen as an application of the Kirchoff integral theorem by considering a surface at infinity and the sign of the normal vector.
  • #1
crick
43
4
Consider the Kirkoff integral theorem and the Huygens -Fresnel principle/formula (both from Wikipedia):

KIT

The Kirchoff integral for monochromatic wave is:
$$U({\mathbf {r}})={\frac {1}{4\pi }}\int _{S'}\left[U{\frac {\partial }{\partial {\hat {{\mathbf {n}}}}}}\left({\frac {e^{{iks}}}{s}}\right)-{\frac {e^{{iks}}}{s}}{\frac {\partial U}{\partial {\hat {{\mathbf {n}}}}}}\right]dS$$
where the integration is performed over an arbitrary closed surface S' (enclosing r), s is the distance from the surface element to the point r, and ∂/∂n denotes differentiation along the surface normal (a normal derivative).

HF fromula

Consider the case of a point source located at a point P0, vibrating at a frequency f. The disturbance may be described by a complex variable U0 known as the complex amplitude. It produces a spherical wave with wavelength λ, wavenumber k = 2π/λ. The complex amplitude of the primary wave at the point Q located at a distance r0 from P0 is given by:

$$U(r_0) = \frac {U_0 e^{ikr_0}}{r_0}$$
The complex amplitude at P is then given by:

$$ U(P) = -\frac{i}{\lambda} U(r_0) \int_{S} \frac {e^{iks}}{s} K(\chi)\,dS $$

where S describes the surface of the sphere, and s is the distance between Q and P.

300px-Huygens-Fresnel_BW.svg.png


The surface ##S## in HF formula does not enclose the point ##P## (which whould be the ##r## in KIT). Is this correct?

If so then is the following procedure correct to show that HF formula is an application of KIT theorem?

1. Consider as ##S'## (surface for KIT) the closed surface ##S## used for HF formula plus a surface ##S_0## at infinity.
2. ##S'=S+S_0## clearly contains the point ##P## (which is ##r##), while ##S## does not.
3. The Kirchoff integral is zero on ##S_0## and on ##S## it is equal to the HF formula on ##S##.

I don't want to prove passage 3. completely but I have a doubt on a sign: the normal vector of the surface ##S## (when considered as a part of ##S'=S_0+S##) should be ingoing in the volume ##V## enclosed by ##S## (which means outgoing from volume enclosed by ##S'##), while HF formula works with outgoing normal vector from ##S## I guess (##\chi## being measured with respect to ouitgoing normal).
 
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  • #2
So, is this procedure correct?Yes, this procedure is correct. The normal vector of the surface S when considered as part of S' should be ingoing in the volume V enclosed by S, while the Huygens-Fresnel formula works with an outgoing normal vector from S. However, since the sign of the normal vector does not affect the result of the integral, this does not change the result.
 

What is Huygens principle from Kirchoff Integral?

Huygens principle from Kirchoff Integral is a fundamental concept in optics that explains how light propagates through a medium. It states that every point on a wavefront can be considered as a source of secondary spherical waves, and the sum of these waves determines the new wavefront at a later time.

How is Huygens principle related to Kirchoff Integral?

Huygens principle is based on the Kirchoff Integral, which is a mathematical representation of the principle. The integral takes into account the amplitude and phase of each secondary wave and sums them up to determine the overall wavefront at a given time and position.

What is the significance of Huygens principle from Kirchoff Integral in optics?

Huygens principle from Kirchoff Integral is crucial in understanding the behavior of light in various optical systems. It allows us to predict the path of light rays and the formation of images in lenses, mirrors, and other optical devices. It also helps in analyzing the diffraction and interference patterns of light.

Is Huygens principle from Kirchoff Integral always applicable?

Huygens principle from Kirchoff Integral is a simplified model that may not accurately describe the behavior of light in all situations. It is most accurate when the wavelength of light is much smaller than the dimensions of the objects or obstacles it is passing through. In some cases, other principles or models may be more suitable.

How can Huygens principle from Kirchoff Integral be visualized?

Huygens principle from Kirchoff Integral can be visualized using animations or simulations that show the propagation of light waves through different media. These visualizations can help in understanding the concept and its applications in optics.

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