Beam splitter energy conservation

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the energy conservation condition for a beam splitter, specifically the relationship between the phases θ and θ'. The equation θ + θ' = π is established to ensure energy conservation, derived from analyzing the incident and output energies of the system. The author finds an additional condition, θ - θ' = π, which is not commonly referenced in literature. The query seeks clarification on the validity of this extra solution and why it is often disregarded. The conversation highlights the complexities in understanding phase relationships in quantum optics.
McLaren Rulez
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Hi,

If we describe a beam splitter as follows:

e^{ikx} -> \sqrt{T}e^{ikx} + \sqrt{R}e^{i\theta}e^{iky}
e^{iky} -> \sqrt{T}e^{iky} + \sqrt{R}e^{i\theta'}e^{ikx}

then \theta+\theta'=\pi is a condition to ensure conservation of energy according to my text.

I tried working this out by taking Ae^{ikx}+Be^{iky} incident on a beam splitter. The incident energy is A^{2}+B^{2}.

The output is

A\sqrt{T}e^{ikx} + A\sqrt{R}e^{i\theta}e^{iky} +B\sqrt{T}e^{iky} + B\sqrt{R}e^{i\theta'}e^{ikx}

Its energy is A^{2} + B^{2} + AB\sqrt{TR}(e^{i\theta}+e^{-i\theta})+AB\sqrt{TR}(e^{i\theta'}+e^{-i\theta'})

So, to preserve conservation, we must have 2cos(\theta)+2cos(\theta')=0

That gives \theta+\theta'=\pi or \theta -\theta'=\pi. But I never see this second result anywhere. Why is it there and how is it eliminated?

Thank you
 
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