Diffraction by a plane screen

Abstract

The integral-equation method of solving the problem of the diffraction of electromagnetic waves by a perfectly conducting plane screen has been criticized by C. J. Bouwkamp, who claims that it is valid only when certain boundary conditions are satisfied on the edge of the screen. This criticism is answered. It is also shown that, since the equations to be solved are differential-integral equations, an arbitrary function arises in the solution and that this arbitrary function may be chosen so that, although there are singularities at the edge of the screen, there is no radiation of energy from the edge. As an illustration, the three-dimensional problem of diffraction by a half-plane is solved.