Fundamental Field Equations in a Temporally Dispersive Medium

Abstract

In this chapter the fundamental medium and plane-wave propagation properties that are necessary for the general analysis of electromagnetic radiation and wave propagation in a homogeneous, isotropic, locally linear, temporally dispersive medium that occupies all space is presented. The general frequency dependence of both the dielectric permittivity and the electric conductivity is included in the analysis so that the resultant field equations apply to both perfect and imperfect dielectrics, conductors and semiconductors over the entire frequency domain. The analysis here focuses on the source-free field euatios and plane-wave solutions in such simple, temporally dispersive media. Both Gaussian (cgs) and MKS units are employed throughout this book; this is accomplished through the use of a conversion factor that appears in double brackets 〚·〛 in each equation.