- #1
Ikaros
- 19
- 0
Homework Statement
A homework problem asks me to find the Fresnel coefficient for a linearly polarised plane wave, which is incident under an angle theta, whose electric field vector can be given as:
E=Ecos[itex]\hat{s}[/itex]+Esin[itex]\hat{p}[/itex]
[itex]\hat{s}[/itex] and [itex]\hat{p}[/itex] are the unit vectors for s-polarised and p-polarised waves.
The attempt at a solution
The previous question on my homework sheet asked me to derive the Fresnel equations for s and p-polarised waves, which I did starting with the bondary conditions. Here, I believe I have an unpolarised wave. My initial assumption was to take the average of both s and p-polarised light that I worked out previously.
For example,
r([itex]\theta[/itex]i)=(rs+rp)/2
and
t([itex]\theta[/itex]i)=1-r([itex]\theta[/itex]i)
However, I'm concerned this is an oversimplification and a more robust approach is in order. I'd love a nudge in the right direction or a thumbs up if my initial approach looks fine.
Thanks.
A homework problem asks me to find the Fresnel coefficient for a linearly polarised plane wave, which is incident under an angle theta, whose electric field vector can be given as:
E=Ecos[itex]\hat{s}[/itex]+Esin[itex]\hat{p}[/itex]
[itex]\hat{s}[/itex] and [itex]\hat{p}[/itex] are the unit vectors for s-polarised and p-polarised waves.
The attempt at a solution
The previous question on my homework sheet asked me to derive the Fresnel equations for s and p-polarised waves, which I did starting with the bondary conditions. Here, I believe I have an unpolarised wave. My initial assumption was to take the average of both s and p-polarised light that I worked out previously.
For example,
r([itex]\theta[/itex]i)=(rs+rp)/2
and
t([itex]\theta[/itex]i)=1-r([itex]\theta[/itex]i)
However, I'm concerned this is an oversimplification and a more robust approach is in order. I'd love a nudge in the right direction or a thumbs up if my initial approach looks fine.
Thanks.