i th layer electrodynamics: A canonical approach

Abstract

Exact analytic expressions for the fields and the power dissipated in the ith layer of an n-layered structure are derived under steady-state and normal incidence via continuum electrodynamics. Via a transmission-line analog, we recursively propagate the surface wave impedance backward. We incorporate a canonical approach via three transfer functions that recursively propagates the field forward. The results apply exactly for an arbitrary number of layers, composed of arbitrary uniaxial materials, and having layers of arbitrary thicknesses. We consider examples of the electrodynamics of a superconducting thin film atop a dielectric and backed by a normal metal as a function of the thickness of the dielectric.