Publication Date

1963

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

Hasan, Mazhar||Bushnell, David L.

Degree Name

M.S. (Master of Science)

Legacy Department

Department of Physics

LCSH

Electric waves

Abstract

In this paper we are considering the propagation of electromagnetic waves in a Lorentz gas. Differential equations governing the electromagnetic wave are derived from Maxwell’s equations. Upon deriving the complex conductivity, it can be substituted into the differential equations. When the charge density is uniform, Maxwell’s equations reduce to a simple harmonic form which is easily solved. The average Poynting vector, as well as the amplitude of the wave, decreases exponentially over spacial coordinates. A non-uniform electron density of an exponential form is also considered, assuming the electron density to be slowly varying over spacial coordinates proves convenient. Then Maxwell’s equations again reduce to a simpler form. This approximation and the form of the equation immediately suggest the use of a W.K.B. approximation for solving the equations. The results are much more complicated that for the uniform charge distribution, but could be analyzed by the use of a computer.

Comments

Includes bibliographical references.

Extent

v, 24 pages

Language

eng

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

Media Type

Text

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