Diffraction, Total Reflection, and Refraction of 3.2 cm. Electromagnetic Waves by a Dielectric Prism and a Dielectric and Metal Semicylinder

Abstract

A description of several experiments carried out to study the existence of evanescent waves behind totally reflecting dielectric surfaces is given in this thesis. Chapter I describes the experimental apparatus used to generate and measure the electromagnetic radiation. A detailed description of the construction of the radiating horns used and the casting of a plastic prism is also given. Chapters II and III give the results of two experiments in the region behind a totally reflecting face of the plastic prism and similar effects noted behind a lucite semicylinder with its plane face towards the source of radiation. Near field diffraction patterns of this cylinder with its plane face towards the source, away from the source, and parallel to the axis of radiation are also given. The above three cases are compared with results obtained by coating the semicylinder with aluminum foil.