Something to be clarified about EM Wave: TE, TM and TEM

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SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies the characteristics of electromagnetic (EM) wave modes: Transverse Electric (TE), Transverse Magnetic (TM), and Transverse Electromagnetic (TEM). In TE waves, the electric field component E_z is indeed zero, while both E_x and E_y can be non-zero. The confusion arises from assumptions regarding the behavior of E_y in TE waves, which should not be assumed to be zero. For TM waves, H_z is zero, and for TEM waves, both E_z and H_z are zero.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electromagnetic wave theory
  • Familiarity with the concepts of TE, TM, and TEM modes
  • Knowledge of vector fields in three-dimensional space
  • Basic principles of optics and electrodynamics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study Griffiths' "Introduction to Electrodynamics" for detailed explanations of wave modes
  • Review Hecht's "Optics" for insights on electromagnetic wave propagation
  • Explore the mathematical representation of E_x and E_y in TE waves
  • Investigate practical applications of TE, TM, and TEM modes in waveguides
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Students and professionals in physics, electrical engineering, and optics who seek a deeper understanding of electromagnetic wave behavior and its applications.

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I have been reading different articles about EM wave modes,
it is said that in TE waves the E_z is zero, similarly for TM H_z is zero, and TEM both E_z and H_z are zero.

How about the E_x and E_y in TE wave?
Someone said E_y is also zero and only E_x exists in TE...is this true? Is it possible that I overlooked some assumptions made?
Or actually the fact is, for TE, both E_x and E_y are NON-zero; only E_z is zero?

I know this is a simple question but I do hope to confirm it earlier and proceed with my study, thanks for your kind attention.:smile:
 
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Please go through a textbook of UG level optics or electrodynamics & then in your problem specify what x,y,z directions mean.
You may refer Griffiths (electrodynamics), Hecht/ Ajay Ghatak (optics).
 

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