Wavepacket Envelope at Boundary

[harvey_dog]

Hi, I've had trouble finding an answer to this question and was wondering if anyone could help.

What happens to the envelope of a wavepacket of light when it crosses the interface between two media?

I know that the field of the wavepacket will be continuous across the boundary, but does the same apply to the envelope?

 

[Meir Achuz]

The B field is not continuous.

 

[sir-pinski]

The envelope of a wavepacket of light will experience a change when it crosses the interface between two media. This is due to the difference in refractive indices of the two media, which affects the speed of light. As the wavepacket enters the second medium, the speed of light decreases, causing the envelope to compress. This compression of the envelope is known as refraction.

The amount of compression depends on the difference in refractive indices between the two media. If the refractive indices are similar, the compression will be minimal. However, if there is a significant difference, the compression can be quite noticeable.

It is important to note that the field of the wavepacket remains continuous across the boundary, as you mentioned. This means that the frequency and wavelength of the light do not change. Only the speed and direction of the wavepacket are affected.

In addition to refraction, the wavepacket may also experience reflection and transmission at the boundary. These phenomena are determined by the angle of incidence and the polarization of the light. The envelope of the wavepacket will be affected by these reflections and transmissions as well.

Overall, the envelope of a wavepacket of light will experience changes at the boundary between two media, but the field of the wavepacket will remain continuous. Refraction, reflection, and transmission all play a role in these changes and are determined by the properties of the two media and the incident light. I hope this helps clarify your question.