Electromagnetic wave propagation when blocked by metal

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on the effects of electromagnetic wave propagation when blocked by metal, specifically in the context of building a thermal chuck with a Peltier device. It is established that a flat metal plate will absorb a small fraction and reflect most of the electromagnetic intensity when the frequency is below visible light. The conversation highlights concerns about potential capacitive noise in a metal-dielectric-metal configuration and the effectiveness of grounding metal plates to mitigate low-frequency noise while acknowledging the possibility of high-frequency noise from the Peltier element.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electromagnetic wave behavior and properties
  • Knowledge of Peltier device operation and its electrical characteristics
  • Familiarity with grounding techniques in electronic setups
  • Basic concepts of capacitive noise and its sources
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of electromagnetic wave reflection and absorption by metals
  • Learn about grounding techniques for electronic components to minimize noise
  • Investigate the characteristics of Peltier devices and their potential electromagnetic interference
  • Explore methods to reduce capacitive noise in layered electronic configurations
USEFUL FOR

Electronics engineers, researchers in electromagnetic theory, and anyone involved in designing thermal management systems using Peltier devices.

vincenttswong
Messages
8
Reaction score
0
Dear all,
I am a newbie in electromagnetic wave. Can you educate me, what will happen when an electromagnetic wave is blocked by a piece of flat metal placed in front of it?

My intention is to build a thermal chuck using peltier for to measure femto amps from my device.
I am worried if EMF created from peltier will affect my measurement.

Below is my stack(top-down):
Device under test -> Metal plate(for conductivity) -> ceramic ->metal plate(connect to ground) -> Peltier -> Heatsink

Please feel free to comment if there is any potential problems.

Look forward to hearing suggestion from you.

Thank you


Regards,
Vincent
 
Physics news on Phys.org
If the frequency is not too high (below visible light should be fine) or too low (with a wavelength larger than the device), the metallic surface will absorb some small fraction and reflect most of the intensity.
 
mfb,
Thank you for your prompt reply. Instead of PWM, I am using a steady current source. Therefore frequency is not high.
You did mention about absorbance of small fraction of EM wave by the metal plate. Will the absorbed EM by metal plate(connect to ground) be 'drained' to ground? Am I overdoing it by connecting this plate to a clean ground?

Look forward to hearing from you.

Thank you

Regards,
Vincent
 
I don't see where you expect electromagnetic waves at all. Constant, direct current does not lead to the emission of electromagnetic waves.
 
mfb,
Thanks for your prompt response. I was out of town last week and has got no internet access.
Last question I have here:
Will the sanwiched metal-dielectric-metal layer caused capacitive noise? If yes, is there any ways that I can eliminate them? Can I simply ground all metal plates to drain the charges?

Look forward to hearing from you.

Thank you


Regards,
Vincent
 
I think that will depend on details of the setup. Grounding metal plates makes them immune to low frequencies, but you can still have some HF-noise.
I don't know which kind of noise your peltier element generates.
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Incident electric field attenuation near a metallic plate
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Graduate How does an electromagnetic wave propagate in space?
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
4K
Graduate Angularly Propagating Modes In a Cylindrical Waveguide
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
High School Measuring Speed of Light: Transit Time & Interference
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
3K
Graduate Backward-wave propagation in Metamaterials?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Undergrad Propagation of Errors, Ohm's Law
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
5K
Graduate Can a time-varying magnetic field pass a metal sheet?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Electromagnetic field vs electromagnetic wave "radiation"
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Graduate My question concerns electromagnetic (EM) wave propagation.
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
EMF (Electromagnetic Field) & EHS (Electromagnetic Hyper Sensitivity)
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
598