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ExamsGATETechnical

If the electric field of a plane wave is $\mathbf{E}(z,t)=\hat{x}\,3\cos(\omega t-kz+30^\circ)-\hat{y}\,4\sin(\omega t-kz+45^\circ)$ mV/m, the polarization state of the plane wave is

  1. left elliptical
  2. left circular
  3. right elliptical
  4. right circular

Correct answer: right elliptical

Solution

The $x$ and $y$ components have unequal amplitudes (3 and 4), so the wave is elliptically polarized. The phase difference is not $\pm 90^\circ$, and the given phase relation corresponds to right-handed rotation, hence right elliptical polarization.

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