How Does the Envelope of a Light Wavepacket Change at a Media Interface?

AI Thread Summary
When a light wavepacket crosses the interface between two media, the envelope of the wavepacket can change due to differences in the refractive indices of the media. While the electric field of the wavepacket remains continuous at the boundary, the magnetic field (B field) does not maintain continuity. This discontinuity in the B field can affect the propagation characteristics of the wavepacket's envelope. The envelope may experience alterations in its shape and speed as it transitions between the two media. Understanding these changes is crucial for applications in optics and photonics.
harvey_dog
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Hi, I've had trouble finding an answer to this question and was wondering if anyone could help.

What happens to the envelope of a wavepacket of light when it crosses the interface between two media?

I know that the field of the wavepacket will be continuous across the boundary, but does the same apply to the envelope?
 
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The B field is not continuous.
 

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