Exploring the Meaning of a Plane Wave of Infinite Extent

In summary, Hecht explains that a perfect plane wave would need to extend to infinity in order to propagate as a plane wave without any diffracting effects. In other words, the wave would need to have an infinite extent in all directions perpendicular to its direction of propagation.
  • #1
manimaran1605
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From Optics by Hecht
He says "only a plane wave of infinite extent will propagate as a plane wave"
What does it mean by " plane of infinite extent" in this context?
 
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  • #2
I believe he means that a perfect plane wave would need to extend to infinity in all directions perpendicular to the direction of propagation. If not, the ends of the wavefront would diffract and the wave would no longer be a perfect plane wave.
 
  • #3
manimaran1605 said:
From Optics by Hecht
He says "only a plane wave of infinite extent will propagate as a plane wave"
What does it mean by " plane of infinite extent" in this context?

It may be easier to think if it as the limit of a spherical wave as the radius increases without limit. Nothing has 'interfered with' the edges of the wave.
 
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1. What is a plane wave of infinite extent?

A plane wave of infinite extent is a type of electromagnetic wave that extends infinitely in all directions. It is characterized by a constant amplitude and phase, and has a uniform direction of propagation. This type of wave is often used to model idealized electromagnetic fields in physics and engineering.

2. How is a plane wave of infinite extent different from other types of waves?

A plane wave of infinite extent differs from other types of waves, such as spherical waves or cylindrical waves, in that it has a constant amplitude and phase throughout its entire extent. This makes it an idealized and simplified model for certain physical phenomena, as it allows for easier mathematical analysis.

3. What is the significance of exploring the meaning of a plane wave of infinite extent?

Exploring the meaning of a plane wave of infinite extent allows scientists and engineers to better understand and model electromagnetic fields in various applications. It also helps to illustrate important concepts in physics, such as wave propagation and interference.

4. How is a plane wave of infinite extent used in real-world applications?

Plane waves of infinite extent are commonly used in antenna design, radar systems, and wireless communications. They are also used in optics to model laser beams and other types of coherent light sources. In physics research, they are often used to study and understand electromagnetic phenomena.

5. Are there any limitations or drawbacks to using a plane wave of infinite extent in modeling real-world situations?

While plane waves of infinite extent are a useful tool for modeling certain physical phenomena, they are an idealized representation and may not accurately reflect real-world situations. In some cases, the use of plane waves may oversimplify a problem and limit the accuracy of the results. Additionally, in practical applications, the extent of a wave is usually limited, making the concept of an infinite wave less applicable.

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