Module description
This module develops Maxwell's equations and their application to electromagnetic waves. The full theory of transmission, reflection, dispersion and absorption of electromagnetic waves is developed for free-space, conductors and dielectrics. The concept of retarded potential is applied to normal radiation from antennas and to synchrotron radiation from relativistic electrons. The scattering of electromagnetic waves by electrons is discussed.

Learning outcomes
After taking this module students should be able to:

• understand the fundamental theoretical basis for electromagnetic waves.
• understand the propagation of plane electromagnetic waves in both free space and media and their behaviour at boundaries.
• understand the theoretical basis for the generation of electromagnetic waves and its application to practical antennas.
• appreciate the different modifications that must be made to the theory of electromagnetic radiation when the charged particle is travelling at relativistic speeds.
• calculate the effective cross-section of an electron as it scatters incident electromagnetic radiation.

Additional learning activities
Videocassette Sessions

Outline syllabus
Electromagnetic Waves: Maxwell's equations, electromagnetic waves in free space, energy and Poynting vector, dispersion, absorption of plane waves in conductors, skin effect, reflection and transmission, dielectric and conducting boudaries.

Waveguides: Propagation between conducting plates, rectangular waveguides, cavities.

Generation of electromagnetic waves: Retarded potentials, Hertzian dipole, antennas.

Radiation from relativistic electrons: Beaming of radiation, Cerenkov radiation, synchroton radiation.

Scattering of electromagnetic waves: Rayleigh scatter, Thomson scatter, "incoherent" scatter.

Kirchhoff's diffraction theory.