Plane Wave Propagation EE4101

NUS/ECE EE4101
Revision of Plane Wave Propagation

See animation “Plane Wave Viewer”
1 Plane Waves in Lossless Media
In a source free lossless medium, J = ρ = σ = 0.
Maxwell’s equations:
∂H
∇ × E = -μ
∂t
∂E
∇×H = ε
∂t
ε∇ ⋅ E = 0
μ∇ ⋅ H = 0
Hon Tat Hui
1 Revision of Plane Wave Propagation
NUS/ECE EE4101
Take the curl of the first equation and make use of the
second and the third equations, we have: Note :
∇ × ∇ × E = ∇(∇ ⋅ E ) − ∇ 2 E
∂ ∂ 2
∇ 2 E = μ ∇ × H = με 2 E
∂t ∂t
This is called the wave equation:
∂ 2
∇ 2E − με 2 E = 0
∂t
A similar equation for H can be obtained:
∂ 2
∇ H − με 2 H = 0
2
∂t
Hon Tat Hui
NUS/ECE EE4101
In free space, the wave equation for E is:
∂ 2
∇ E − μ 0ε 0 2 E = 0
2
∂t
where
1
μ 0ε 0 = 2
c
c being the speed of light in free space (~ 3 × 108 (m/s)).

Hence the speed of light can be derived from Maxwell’s
equation.
Hon Tat Hui
NUS/ECE EE4101
In phasor form, Maxwell’s equations can be written as:

∇ × E = - jωB
∇ × H = jωD
∇⋅D = 0
∇⋅B = 0
Using the phasor form expression, the wave equation for
E field is also called the Helmholtz’s equation, which is:
∇ 2 E + μ0ε 0ω 2 E = ∇ 2 E + k 2 E = 0
where k = ω μ0ε 0
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NUS/ECE EE4101
k is called the wavenumber or the propagation

constant.
2πf 2π
k = k 0 = ω μ 0ε 0 = =
c λ0
where λ0 is the free space wavelength.
Hon Tat Hui

NUS/ECE EE4101
In Cartesian coordinates, the Helmholtz’s equation can

be written as three scalar equations in terms of the
respective x, y, and z components of the E field. For
example, the scalar equation for the Ex component is:
⎛ ∂2 ∂2 ∂2 2⎞
⎜⎜ 2 + 2 + 2 + k ⎟⎟ Ex = 0
⎝ ∂x ∂y ∂z ⎠
Consider a special case of the Ex in which there is no
variation of Ex in the x and y directions, i.e.,
∂2 ∂2
Ex = 2 Ex = 0
∂x 2
∂y
Hon Tat Hui
NUS/ECE EE4101
This is called the plane wave condition and Ex(z) now

varies with z only. The wave equation for Ex becomes:
d 2 Ex (z ) 2
2
+ k Ex (z ) = 0
dz
Note that a plane wave is not physically realizable

because it extends to an infinite extent in the x and y
directions. However, when considered over a small plane
area, its propagation characteristic is very close to a
spherical wave, which is a real and common form of
electromagnetic wave propagating.
Hon Tat Hui
NUS/ECE EE4101
Solutions to the plane wave equation take one form of the

following functions, depending on the boundary
conditions:
1. E x ( z ) = E0+ e − jkz
2. E x ( z ) = E0− e + jkz
3. E x (z ) = E0+ e − jkz + E0− e + jkz
E0+ and E0- are constants to be determined by boundary

conditions.
+ − jkz − + jkz
E e and E e
0
are plane waves propagating along the
0
+z direction and –z direction.
See animation “Plane Wave Simulator”
Hon Tat Hui
NUS/ECE EE4101
The accompanying magnetic field H can be found from

Maxwell’s equation
∇ × E = - jωμH
For example, if the solution for E is,
E x ( z ) = E0+ e − jkz ,
then the solution for H is:

1 ∂Ex ( z ) k + − jkz
H y (z ) = = E0 e
− jωμ ∂z ωμ
Note that H is ⊥ to E and they are shown on next page.

Hon Tat Hui
NUS/ECE EE4101
H and E propagate in free space

See animation “Plane Wave E and H Vector Motions ”
Hon Tat Hui
NUS/ECE EE4101
The ratio of Ex to Hy is called the intrinsic impedance of

the medium, η.
Ex ( z ) ωμωμ μ
η= = = = (Ω)
Hy ( z) k ω με ε
Note that η is independent of z. In free space,
μ0
η0 = = 120π ≈ 377 Ω
ε0
and Ex and Hy are in phase (as η0 is a real number).

Hon Tat Hui
NUS/ECE EE4101
The phase velocity (propagation speed of a constant-

phase point) of the wave up is given by:
ω ω 1
up = = = (m/s)
k ω με με
See animation “Plane Wave in 3D”
The plane wave is also called the TEM wave (TEM =

Transverse ElectroMagnetic) in which Ez = Hz = 0 where
z is the direction of propagation.
The general form of a TEM wave is:

E = E0e− jk ⋅r k = k x xˆ + k y yˆ + k z zˆ
r = xxˆ + yyˆ + zzˆ
H = H 0e− jk ⋅r
Hon Tat Hui
NUS/ECE EE4101
Right-hand rule:
k (index finger) (thumb)

r E E k
H
H
(middle finger)
E⊥H⊥k
1ˆ
H = k × E, E = ηH × kˆ
η
Hon Tat Hui
NUS/ECE EE4101
2 Plane Waves in Lossy Media

In a lossy medium, J = σE, ρ ≠ 0, σ ≠ 0.
Maxwell’s equations: ε = ε 0ε r
∇ × E = - jωμH
⎛σ ⎞
∇ × H = σE + jωD = jω⎜⎜ + ε ⎟⎟E = jωε c E
⎝ jω ⎠
σ ⎛ σ ⎞
ε c = ε − j = ε ⎜1 − j ⎟ = complex permittivity
ω ⎝ ωε ⎠
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NUS/ECE EE4101
σ
= loss tangent = tanδ c
ωε
The complex permittivity can be written as:
ε c = ε 0ε ' r
⎛ σ ⎞
ε ' r = ⎜⎜ ε r − j ⎟⎟ = complex relative permittivity
⎝ ωε 0 ⎠
Current terms:
σE = conduction current
jωD = jωεE = displacement current
Note that conduction current and displacement current
are out of phase by π/2.
Hon Tat Hui
NUS/ECE EE4101
Helmholtz’s equation:
∇ 2E + kc2E = 0
kc = ω με c
a complex number
By replacing k with kc, all the previous results derived

for lossless media are applicable to lossy media. But
since kc is a complex number, the plane wave will
experience loss when it propagates.
Hon Tat Hui

NUS/ECE EE4101
The solutions for the Helmholtz equation in lossy media

are same as those for lossless media if k is replaced by kc.
E x ( z ) = E0± e ∓ jkc z
= E0± e ∓γz
= E0± e −αz e ∓ jβz
where γ = jkc = α + jβ
= complex propagation constant.
Note that solutions with the +α constant have been

discarded as they imply waves with increasing
amplitudes.
Hon Tat Hui
NUS/ECE EE4101
α = attenuation constant
⎛
με ⎜ ⎛σ ⎞
2 ⎞
=ω 1+ ⎜ ⎟ − 1⎟ (Np/m)
2 ⎜ ⎝ ωε ⎠ ⎟
⎝ ⎠
β = propagation constant
⎛
με ⎜ ⎛σ ⎞
2 ⎞
=ω 1+ ⎜ ⎟ + 1⎟ (rad/m)
2 ⎜ ⎝ ωε ⎠ ⎟
⎝ ⎠
Hon Tat Hui

NUS/ECE EE4101
As in the lossless case, the general form of a plane wave

in a lossy medium is:
E = E0 e − jk c ⋅r
= E0 e (
− jkc kˆ c ⋅r )
k c = kcx xˆ + kcy yˆ + kcz zˆ = kc kˆ c
H = H 0e − jk c ⋅r
= H 0e (
− jkc kˆ c ⋅r ) r = xxˆ + yyˆ + zzˆ
E⊥H⊥k
1 ˆ
H = k × E, E = η c H × kˆ
ηc
ηc = complex intrinsic impedance
μ
= = ηr + jηi
εc
Hon Tat Hui
NUS/ECE EE4101
The real and imaginary parts of ηc can be derived as:

⎛ 2 ⎞
⎜ ⎛σ ⎞ ⎟
1+ ⎜ ⎟ +1 ⎟
μ0 1 ⎜ ⎝ ωε ⎠
ηr = ⎜ ⎟ Ω
ε0 2ε r ⎜ ⎛σ ⎞
2
⎟
⎜⎜ 1+ ⎜ ⎟ ⎟
⎝ ωε ⎠ ⎟
⎝ ⎠
⎛ 2 ⎞
⎜ ⎛σ ⎞ ⎟
1+ ⎜ ⎟ −1 ⎟
μ0 1 ⎜ ⎝ ωε ⎠
ηi = ⎜ ⎟ Ω
ε0 2ε r ⎜ ⎛σ ⎞
2
⎟
⎜⎜ 1+ ⎜ ⎟ ⎟
⎝ ωε ⎠ ⎟ ηc = ηr + jηi
⎝ ⎠
Hon Tat Hui
NUS/ECE EE4101
Good Conductor Approximation

Condition:
σ
loss tangent = >> 1
ωε
Then,
γ = α + jβ ≈ (1 + j ) πfμσ
α = β ≈ πfμσ
μ α
ηc = ≈ (1 + j )
εc σ
Hon Tat Hui
NUS/ECE EE4101
In a good conductor, the intrinsic impedance ηc is a

complex number, meaning that the electric and
magnetic fields are not in phase as in the case of a
lossless medium.
ω 2ω
u p = phase velocity = ≈
β μσ
2π2π π
λ = wavelength = ≈ =2
β πfμσ fμσ
Note that H is still ⊥ to E as shown on next page.

Hon Tat Hui
NUS/ECE EE4101
H and E inside a good conductor

See animation “Plane Wave Simulator”
Hon Tat Hui
NUS/ECE EE4101
In a good conductor, because of the attenuation

constant α, the wave amplitude becomes smaller when
it propagates. The distance δ through which the
amplitude of a travelling plane wave decreases by a
factor of e-1 = 0.368 = 36.8% is called the skin depth
or depth of penetration of the conductor.
Field amplitude
E0
E0e-1
z
0 δ 2δ …….
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NUS/ECE EE4101
Ex (z = δ ) E0+ e −αδ e − jβδ

= = e −αδ = e −1
Ex (z = 0 ) E0+
αδ = 1
1
δ=
α
For copper, σ = 5.8 × 107 S/m.
−2 at 60Hz, δ = 8.5 × 10-3 m

1 26.61× 10
δ= = = at 1MHz, δ =6.6 × 10-5 m
α ωμ0σ f at 30GHz, δ = 3.8 × 10-7 m
Hon Tat Hui

NUS/ECE EE4101
Skin depth of some common materials
Hon Tat Hui

NUS/ECE EE4101
Example 1
The electric field intensity of a linearly polarised uniform
plane wave propagating in the +z direction in seawater is
E = xˆ 100cos(107 πt ) at z = 0. The constitutive parameters of
seawater are εr = 72, μr = 1, and σ = 4 S/m.
(a) Determine the attenuation constant, intrinsic impedance,
phase velocity, wavelength, and skin depth.
(b) Write expressions for H(z,t) and E(z,t).
(c) Find the distance z1 at which the amplitude of the
electric field is 1% of its value at z = 0.
Hon Tat Hui

NUS/ECE EE4101
Solutions
(a) ω = 10 7 π rad/s ⇒ f = 5×106 Hz
σ
Here ≈ 200 >> 1 . We may therefore approximate
ωε’
seawater as a good conductor at this frequency.
α = β = π f μ r μ 0 σ = 8.89 Np/m or rad/m
πfμ r μ0 π
ηc = (1 + j ) = (1 + j ) = π e jπ / 4 Ω
σ 2
ω 2π
u p = = 3.53 × 106 m/s λ= = 0.707 m
β β
δ = 1/ α = 0.112 m
Hon Tat Hui
NUS/ECE EE4101
(b) Phasor fields: eˆ = unit vector of E(r )

jφ − jkc ( kˆ c ⋅r )
In a lossy medium, E(r ) = eˆ E0e e
jφ −α ( kˆ c ⋅r ) − jβ ( kˆ c ⋅r )
= eˆ E0e e e
Here, eˆ = xˆ , φ = 0, E0 = 100, α = β = 8.89, kˆ c ⋅ r = z
Therefore,
E( z ) = xˆ 100 e −8.89 z e − j 8.89 z
1 ˆ
H (r ) = k c × E
ηc
100 −8.89 z − j 8.89 z 100 −8.89 z − j (8.89 z +π / 4 )
⇒ H ( z ) = yˆ jπ / 4
e e = yˆ e e
πe π
Hon Tat Hui
NUS/ECE EE4101
Instantaneous fields:
[
E( z , t ) = Re E( z ) e jωt ]
[
= Re xˆ 100 e −8.89 z
e − j 8.89 z
e j107 π t
]
= xˆ 100 e −8.89 z cos(107 π t − 8.89 z )
[
H( z , t ) = Re H( z ) e jωt ]
⎡ 100 −8.89 z − j ( 8.89 z +π / 4 ) j107 π t ⎤
= Re ⎢ yˆ e e e ⎥⎦
⎣ π
100 −8.89 z
= yˆ e cos(107 π t − 8.89 z − π / 4)
π
(c) exp (− αz1 ) = 0.01 ⇒ z1 = 0.518 m
Hon Tat Hui
NUS/ECE EE4101
References:
1. David K. Cheng, Field and Wave Electromagnetic, Addison-Wesley
Pub. Co., New York, 1989.
2. Fawwaz T. Ulaby, Applied Electromagnetics, Prentice-Hall, Inc.,
New Jersey, 2007.
3. Matthew N. O. Sadiku, Elements of Electromagnetics, Oxford
University Press, New York, 2001.
4. Robert E. Collin, Field theory of guided waves, IEEE Press, New
York, 1991.
5. Joseph A. Edminister, Schaum’s Outline of Theory and Problems of
Electromagnetics, McGraw-Hill, Singapore, 1993.
6. Yung-kuo Lim (Editor), Problems and solutions on
electromagnetism, World Scientific, Singapore, 1993.
Hon Tat Hui


Plane Wave Propagation EE4101

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NUS/ECE EE4101

Revision of Plane Wave Propagation

In free space, the wave equation for E is:

c being the speed of light in free space (~ 3 × 108 (m/s)).

In phasor form, Maxwell’s equations can be written as:

Hon Tat Hui

k is called the wavenumber or the propagation

where λ0 is the free space wavelength.

Hon Tat Hui

In Cartesian coordinates, the Helmholtz’s equation can

This is called the plane wave condition and Ex(z) now

Note that a plane wave is not physically realizable

Solutions to the plane wave equation take one form of the

E0+ and E0- are constants to be determined by boundary

The accompanying magnetic field H can be found from

then the solution for H is:

Note that H is ⊥ to E and they are shown on next page.

H and E propagate in free space

The ratio of Ex to Hy is called the intrinsic impedance of

Note that η is independent of z. In free space,

and Ex and Hy are in phase (as η0 is a real number).

The phase velocity (propagation speed of a constant-

The plane wave is also called the TEM wave (TEM =

The general form of a TEM wave is:

k (index finger) (thumb)

2 Plane Waves in Lossy Media

Hon Tat Hui

By replacing k with kc, all the previous results derived

Hon Tat Hui

The solutions for the Helmholtz equation in lossy media

Note that solutions with the +α constant have been

Hon Tat Hui

As in the lossless case, the general form of a plane wave

The real and imaginary parts of ηc can be derived as:

Good Conductor Approximation

In a good conductor, the intrinsic impedance ηc is a

Note that H is still ⊥ to E as shown on next page.

H and E inside a good conductor

In a good conductor, because of the attenuation

Hon Tat Hui

Ex (z = δ ) E0+ e −αδ e − jβδ

−2 at 60Hz, δ = 8.5 × 10-3 m

Hon Tat Hui

Skin depth of some common materials

Hon Tat Hui

Hon Tat Hui

(b) Phasor fields: eˆ = unit vector of E(r )

Hon Tat Hui

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