Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the characteristics of the electric field in transverse electric (TE) guided waves, specifically why the electric field is oriented in the y direction while the z component is zero. Participants explore the implications of coordinate orientation and the definitions of the fields involved.
Discussion Character
- Technical explanation
- Conceptual clarification
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- One participant questions why the electric field in a TE guided wave is in the y direction, noting that the z component of the electric field is zero.
- Another participant suggests that the orientation of the Cartesian coordinates is arbitrary, implying that the specific choice of axes may affect the interpretation.
- A participant describes the waveguide as rectangular with specified dimensions, seeking clarification on the axes involved.
- Further clarification is provided regarding the orientation of the axes, with the x-axis being horizontal, the y-axis vertical, and the z-axis indicating the direction of propagation.
- It is proposed that the electric field being zero in the x direction is due to polarization along the y direction, while the magnetic field component in the y direction is zero because it is a TE mode.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
The discussion contains multiple viewpoints regarding the orientation of the electric and magnetic fields in TE modes, and no consensus is reached on the implications of coordinate choice or the necessity of certain field components being zero.
Contextual Notes
Participants have not fully resolved the implications of coordinate orientation on the electric and magnetic field components, and assumptions regarding the definitions of TE modes remain unexamined.