EE625

Computational Electromagnetics

Prof. S. Gedney

Uniqueness Theorem
Purpose: To determine under what conditions our source-field solution is unique
Gi G i Given: Sources J , M radiating in a lossy material medium with profile: = j , = j , G G The electric and magnetic fields radiated by J i , M i satisfy: G G Gi G G Gi E = j H + M ; H = ( j + ) E + J

(1)

Ga G a Gb G b Assume 2 sets of solutions that satisfy (1): E , H and E , H : Ga Ga Gi Ga G a Gi + )E + J H + M ; H = ( j E = j Gb Gb G i Gb G b Gi + )E + J H + M ; H = ( j E = j Subtracting (3) G from (2): G Gt G G Gt + ) E = J H = M ; H = ( j E = j where, G G G G G G E = Ea Eb; H = H a H b

(2) (3) (4) (5)

G G If the solution is unique, then E = 0 & H = 0 .

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EE625

Computational Electromagnetics

Prof. S. Gedney

We derived the Poynting Theorem (Conservation of Energy): G G* G G G t* G * G t w E H ds + ( E J + H M )dv = 0

S V

(6)

From (4) we can derive the Poynting Theorem based on the difference fields: G G* G G G G* G * w E H ds + ( E ( j + ) E + H ( j ) H )dv = 0
S V

(7)

where

+ )* = ( + ) j ( j ) = + j ( j Therefore, (7) is also expressed as: G G* G G2 G2 E H ds ( ) j E j H dv = 0 + + + + [ ] [ ] w

S V

(8) (9) (10)

If the solution is unique, the power exiting S must be 0, or: G G G * E H ds =0 w

S

(11)

Thus, the volume integral must also be zero. Therefore: G2 G2 + + + ( ) j E j H dv = 0 ] [ ] [

V

(12)

The real and the imaginary parts must be zero separately. Thus,
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{
V
V

G2 G ( + ) E + H
G2 j E

} dv = 0 G + j H } dv = 0
2
2

Computational Electromagnetics

Prof. S. Gedney

(13) (14)

Now, since , ,and > 0 , then we must have that: G2 G2 E = H =0 G G E = H =0

(15)

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EE625

Computational Electromagnetics

Prof. S. Gedney

Observations:
We stated that a unique solution, G G * for G G *we must have: G ds = 0 w E H ds = 0 , or w E H n
S S

Using the properties of the triple scalar product: G G* G G* ds = w E w E H n n H ds

S

G* G =w H n Eds = 0
S

(16)

It is noted G that (16) is satisfied when: G G G E is uniquely specified over the entire surface S. Then, n E = 0 over S, and E and a) n H are G* G G unique. = 0 over S, and E and G H is uniquely specified over the entire surface S. then H n b) n H are unique. G G E is H is known over the remaining part of S, c) WhenG n G known over a part of S, and n then E and G H are unique. G G G d) Both n E and n H are uniquely specified over the entire surface S, then E and H are unique.

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EE625

Computational Electromagnetics

Prof. S. Gedney

Uniqueness Theorem
Gi Gi G G A field E , H in a lossy region radiated by sources J and M can be uniquely specified within Gi Gi the region by the sources J and M plus the tangential projection of the electric or magnetic fields on S.
Lossless Medium , , 0 :

In general, the uniqueness theorem breaks down for lossless media. It is still applied to a lossless problem in the limit that the losses tend to zero. Is this a concern? No, the physical world is lossy.

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EE625

Computational Electromagnetics

Prof. S. Gedney

Some Implications of Uniqueness

Gi G i 1) Sources of finite extent J , M in V
G E n

G G J i, M i

, ,

G H n

G G G G Gi G i E over S, and/or n H over We can uniquely specify E and H in V knowing J , M and n S.

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EE625

Gi G i 2) Sources of finite extent J , M outside of V

G E n

Computational Electromagnetics

Prof. S. Gedney

G G J i, M i
V

, ,

G G G G E over S, and/or n H over S. We can uniquely specify E and H in V knowing only n

G H n

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