Optics, electromagnetic theory Wave optics and diffraction Problem
Sommerfeld's half-plane diffraction problem
Builds on Helmholtz equationFresnel integralsWiener–Hopf method
Problem
Let , let be a half-line in , and let be an incident plane wave with . Find on such that:
- solves the Helmholtz equation in ;
- on both sides of (the Dirichlet case), or on both sides of (the Neumann case);
- the scattered field is outgoing: away from the directions of the reflected wave and of the shadow boundary, it satisfies the Sommerfeld radiation condition;
- has finite energy near the edge: and are square integrable on every bounded set.
Remarks
The half-line is the cross-section of a thin, perfectly conducting half-plane, and the two boundary conditions correspond to the two polarisations of the electromagnetic wave. Sommerfeld solved the problem exactly in 1896, with a method of solutions on a two-sheeted Riemann surface; the solution is unique under conditions 1 to 4. The solution can be written with the Fresnel integrals, and it shows a smooth transition from light to shadow across the shadow boundary instead of a sharp edge. The problem can also be solved by the Wiener–Hopf method. Its far-field asymptotics give the edge diffraction coefficient used in Keller's geometrical theory of diffraction.
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- Fresnel integrals concept
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- Sommerfeld's half-plane diffraction problem problem
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About this page
| Tag | SRGSR8X5SF |
|---|---|
| URI | m2://SRGSR8X5SF |
| Kind | problem |
| Writing | W0 stub |
| MSC | 78A45, 35J05 |
| Status | This copy of the site has no build data. Run m2 status SRGSR8X5SF. |
| About | Physical optics |
| Uses | Helmholtz equation, Fresnel integrals, Wiener–Hopf method |
| Changed | 3 November 2026 |
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