The use of path integrals in guided wave theory

Abstract

In a stratified wave guiding system the propagation of electromagnetic waves is usually described by the use of modes. This method however involves summations which are a formidable task if many modes are excited and attenuated equally. A new theoretical method using path integrals is applied to this problem and avoids the use of modes. As a consequence large summations are avoided and in some cases compact analytical expressions for the field or the impulse response are obtained.