Multiple scattering of a plane scalar wave from a uniform dielectric slab

The multiple scattering method is used to model the propagation of a plane scalar wave through a uniform dielectric slab extending from z = 0 to z = d. The slab is assumed to be formed by evenly distributed dipoles characterized by an isotropic polarizability alpha. Expressions for the diffracted, transmitted, and reflected waves are derived and compared to the corresponding transmission and reflection coefficients for a linearly polarized vector wave whose amplitude vector is perpendicular to the plane of incidence. It is found that, when energy is lost, the amplitude of the familiar periodic variation of the intensity of the reflected wave becomes a decreasing function of the slab thickness while the intensity of the transmitted wave ceases to vary as a function of the slab thickness. (C) 2002 American Association of Physics Teachers.