Beam splitter energy conservation

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the energy conservation principles in beam splitters, specifically addressing the condition \(\theta + \theta' = \pi\) as essential for energy conservation. The incident energy is represented as \(A^{2} + B^{2}\), while the output energy includes terms involving \(\theta\) and \(\theta'\). The participant derives the equation \(2\cos(\theta) + 2\cos(\theta') = 0\), leading to the conclusion that \(\theta - \theta' = \pi\) is a valid solution. The participant seeks clarification on why this second solution is rarely mentioned in literature.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics and wave functions
  • Familiarity with beam splitter operations in optics
  • Knowledge of trigonometric identities and their applications in physics
  • Basic proficiency in complex numbers and exponential functions
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the mathematical derivation of beam splitter equations in quantum optics
  • Explore the implications of phase shifts in beam splitter configurations
  • Study the role of conservation laws in quantum mechanics
  • Investigate the significance of the second solution \(\theta - \theta' = \pi\) in beam splitter applications
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Physicists, optical engineers, and students studying quantum mechanics and wave optics who are interested in the principles of energy conservation in beam splitter systems.

McLaren Rulez
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Hi,

If we describe a beam splitter as follows:

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

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

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

The output is

[itex]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}[/itex]

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

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

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

Thank you
 
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Anyone? Strange thing is that I have the answer but an extra solution which should be invalid. Thank you
 

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