Calculating values of electric and amgnetic fields of laser beam

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the peak values of the oscillatory electric and magnetic fields of a continuous wave laser beam in free space, given its power and cross-sectional area. The subject area includes electromagnetism and wave propagation in vacuum.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore relationships between electric and magnetic fields using equations related to energy flow and the Poynting vector. There are attempts to derive the fields from given power and area, with some questioning how to relate the energy flow to the magnitudes of the fields.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into relevant equations and relationships, such as E = cB and B = μ0H. However, there is still uncertainty regarding the calculations and how to derive the values for H, E, and B. Multiple interpretations of the equations are being explored, and participants are engaging in dimensional analysis to verify their results.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of a homework assignment, which may limit the information available for deriving the necessary values. There is an emphasis on understanding the relationships between the variables rather than arriving at a final solution.

krhisjun
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Homework Statement


A continuous wave laser beam in free space carries a power of 15w and has a circular cross section with diameter 1mm. Calculate peak values of the oscillatory electric and magnetic fields Eo and Ho repectively.


Homework Equations



Eox = (\mu/\epsilon)^1/2 Hoy
\pir^2
Energy flow = 1/2 (HE + EH)
energy flow = | E x H |
E = Eo cos (\omega t )


The Attempt at a Solution



Okay so i have the energy flow as 19098.593 Kj / s / m^2
I know energy flow = 1/2 \HE + EH ) = EH = |E x H| this energy flow is in direction of wave..

But i can't work out how to relate this to get the mag of electric field or magnetic field
 
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Since you are in vacuum, I don't think there's any reason to complicate things. E=cB, and B=μ0H
 
Matterwave said:
Since you are in vacuum, I don't think there's any reason to complicate things. E=cB, and B=μ0H

Bu then HHow do i calculate H?
 
Just invert the second equation for H in terms of B.
 
Sorry, i mean to say i don't know how i would get H B or E.

i can see easily how with any of the variables allows the other for calculation but I am at a loss to get any.
 
\bar{S}=\frac{E^2}{2\mu_0c}
 
for fear of asking the obvious, S being?
 
S bar is the average of the magnitude of the Poynting Vector, it is the flux (or intensity) of the laser measured in Watts per meter squared.
 
Ok, didnt realize that equation,
so using those values E = \sqrt{2S\mu c} ?
Therefore E = 119959.9933 V m^-1 ?

H = E/c\mu ?
Therefore H = 318.4160428 A m^-1 ?

I tried to confirm the equations using dimensional analysis:
E = V m^-1
mu= kg·m·s−2·A−2
C = m S^-1
S = J s^-1 m^-2

I can't get that to equal but i think i may be rearranging wrong.

Thankyou for yor help so far
 

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