PH20014: Electromagnetism 1
[Page last updated: 05 August 2021]
| Academic Year: | 2021/2 |
| Owning Department/School: | Department of Physics |
| Credits: | 6 [equivalent to 12 CATS credits] |
| Notional Study Hours: | 120 |
| Level: | Intermediate (FHEQ level 5) |
| Period: |
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| Assessment Summary: | EX 100% |
| Assessment Detail: |
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| Supplementary Assessment: |
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| Requisites: | Before or while taking this module you must ( take PH10005 OR take PH10053 ) AND ( take PH10006 OR take PH10051 ) AND ( take PH20107 OR take MA20223 ) |
| Description: | Aims: The aims of this unit are to develop a vectorial description of electric, magnetic and electromagnetic fields in infinite materials and at boundaries between materials, to derive some individual solutions and to make use of them in a few important applications. A further aim is to provide an introduction to the operation of lasers. Learning Outcomes: After taking this unit the student should be able to: * derive and interpret Maxwell's equations and their solution in vacuum; * list the distinguishing features of electromagnetic plane waves and write down a mathematical expression for a linearly or circularly polarised light wave; * analyse in detail the propogation of vectorial plane waves in vacuum and in various materials; * describe the origins of polarisation and magnetisation in materials; * match electric and magnetic fields at boundaries between materials and explain the origins of Brewster's angle and total internal reflection; * describe how lasting action is obtained and maintained and outline the main properties of laser light. Skills: Numeracy T/F A, Problem Solving T/F A. Content: Introduction to Maxwell's equations (7 hours): Derivation of integral and differential forms of Maxwell's equations and continuity equation. The wave equation in source-free vacuum. Plane wave solutions. Electromagnetic plane waves (3 hours): 3D plane waves, vector nature of electromagnetic wavesl relationships between E, B and k. Impedance. Electromagnetic energy and the Poynting vector. Radiation pressure. Polarisation; Law of Malus, circular and elliptical polarisation. Birefringence, wave plates. Maxwell's equations in infinite materials (6 hours): Concepts of linearity, isotropy and homogeneity. Characterisation of materials in terms of macroscopic parameters. Dipoles, susceptibility and polarisation / magnetisation. The modified wave equation; solution in conductors, dielectrics, lossy media and plasmas. Boundaries between media (4 hours): The general electromagnetic boundary conditions. Plane waves at a planar boudary, general angle of incidence (Fresnel equations). Total internal reflection and evanescent waves. Coefficients of transmission and reflection. Brewster and critical angles. Lasers (2 hours): Interaction between light and matter. The Einstein relations. Obtaining and maintaining lasing action. Cavity modes. The properties of laser light. |
| Programme availability: |
PH20014 is Compulsory on the following programmes:Department of Physics
PH20014 is Optional on the following programmes:Department of Physics
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