Electromagnetic diffraction of a transversal two-dimensional Gaussian beam at normal incidence on an absorbing circular cylinder

Abstract

We present the exact electromagnetic solution to the diffraction problem of a transversal two-dimensional Gaussian beam at normal incidence on an absorbing circular cylinder. The direction of constant amplitude for this Gaussian ribbon is perpendicular to the cylinder's axis. The results are valid in the Fresnel region as well as in the far field, and can be applied to actual values of the complex index of refraction for current-absorbing materials at optical frequencies (conductors or dielectrics). The diffracted field is expressed in terms of two cylindrical Gaussian edge waves arising from each "side" of the circular cylinder.