Why do TEM modes need two conductors to propagate?

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter klawlor419
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Conductors Modes Tem
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

Transverse Electromagnetic (TEM) modes require two conducting surfaces to propagate effectively through a waveguide. This necessity arises because a single conductor cannot satisfy the boundary condition of zero tangential electric field (E_tangential) at the surface without resulting in E=0 everywhere. The discussion highlights that the presence of two conductors allows for the establishment of a non-zero electric field configuration, essential for TEM wave propagation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of waveguide theory
  • Familiarity with electromagnetic field concepts
  • Knowledge of boundary conditions in electromagnetics
  • Basic principles of TEM wave propagation
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of waveguide design and operation
  • Explore the mathematical derivation of TEM mode conditions
  • Investigate the role of boundary conditions in electromagnetic theory
  • Learn about different waveguide types and their applications
USEFUL FOR

Electrical engineers, physicists, and students studying electromagnetic theory or waveguide technology will benefit from this discussion.

klawlor419
Messages
117
Reaction score
0
Why do we need two conducting surfaces to allow TEM modes to propagate through a waveguide? Why can we not propagate TEM waves through a single conducting waveguide?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
With only one conductor, the only solution that satisfies E_tangential at the conductor equal to zero is E=0 everywhere.
 

Similar threads

Graduate Voltage and current waves in a transmission line
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Graduate Why are only TM waves allowed in this geometry? (Planar interface)
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
1K
Graduate What Determines the Orientation of Magnetic Fields in TE Modes?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Undergrad How is Potential Difference Created across a Resistor?
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
4K
Graduate Angularly Propagating Modes In a Cylindrical Waveguide
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
Graduate Maxwell's equations and longitudinal waves
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
5K
Undergrad Direction of E field and propagation of wave in a conductor
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
7K
Undergrad How do we know that both plates of a capacitor have the same charge?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Graduate TEM TE and TM Modes for Waveguides ?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Undergrad Work done by electric field of an irregularly shaped conductor
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K