Electromagnetic Theory

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

1. Describe the fundamental theoretical basis for electromagnetic waves.
2. Formulate the propagation of plane electromagnetic waves in both free space and media.
3. Formulate the behaviour of electromagnetic waves at boundaries and in a rectangular waveguide.
4. Discuss the basis for the generation of electromagnetic waves using the Hertzian dipole as an example.
5. Convey the concept of electromagnetic theory under conditions of special relativity.

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 theoretical basis of the laws of electromagnetism are discussed in relation to the special theory of relativity. The theory underlying the generation of electomagnetic waves is presented, with discussions that consider the Hertzian dipole and other antennas.

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 boundaries.

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

Generation of electromagnetic waves: Hertzian dipole, antennas.

Electromagnetism and Special Relativity: Charges and fields, Four-vectors, Retarded potentials, Maxwell's equations.

This module is at CQFW Level 7