[Electromagnetism,optics]How to attack a problem of dielectric tensor?

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    Dielectric Tensor
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a boundary value problem in electromagnetism involving a dielectric tensor. The specific scenario includes a vacuum region and a material region characterized by a given dielectric tensor and permeability. Participants explore the implications of the dielectric tensor on the behavior of an incident electromagnetic wave.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes a boundary value problem involving an incident wave and a dielectric tensor, expressing difficulty in applying boundary conditions derived from Maxwell's equations.
  • Another participant suggests that the dielectric tensor relates the electric field components to the displacement field components and recommends consulting texts on crystal optics for further guidance.
  • A later reply indicates that the original poster has resolved their issue, suggesting a shift in understanding or approach.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion does not reach a consensus on the methods for solving the problem, as the original poster initially struggles with the application of boundary conditions but later claims to have solved the issue independently.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not clarify specific assumptions or the nature of the determinant that was encountered, leaving some aspects of the problem unresolved.

buoyant
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Hi, I am currently making an effort to solve a boundary value problem of electromagnetic field.

The problem is as follows:

The region ##y<0## is vacuum. The region ##y \geq 0## is filled with material with ##\mu=\mu_0## and dielectric tensor ## \left( \begin{array}{ccc}
\alpha & i\beta & 0 \\
-i\beta & \alpha & 0 \\
0 & 0 & \gamma \end{array} \right) ##.

If the wave ##\vec{E} = E_0 \hat{x} exp[i(\frac{\omega}{c}y-\omega t)] ## is incident from the left, what the electric field would be?

I tried to solve with boundary condition deduced from Maxwell's eqns, but I coincided essentially unsolvable determinant. I cannot find how the wave would go eventually.(I thought the polarization of the wave would be eigenvectors of the dielectric tensor, but I can get the direction of propagation so that I couldn't use boundary condition) Is there anyone who can give any advice on this?

Thanks in advance.
 
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Hint: the dielectric tensor relates components of E with components of D. While I don't recognize that particular form of dielectric tensor, any reasonable text discussing crystal optics should help you work through the problem.
 
Thanks a lot Resnick!
I'll think more. Is there any text or website you recommend? I think I have to consider birefringence but not sure how to do that
 
now i solved it. i was silly. thanks
 

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