Poyntings Theorem and the Poynting Vector

Poyntings theorem is the fundamental energy-conservation theorem for electromagnetic fields. Using Poyntings theorem, we can identify all sources of energy related to electromagnetic fields in a given volume. The corresponding Poynting vector defines the vector power density (direction and density of power flow at a point). To derive Poyntings theorem, we start with the time-dependent Maxwell curl equations. The product of E and H gives units of W/m

(Volume power density, analogous to volume current density). As shown for the uniform plane wave, the direction of E H gives the direction of wave propagation (the direction of power flow). Thus, we seek a relationship defining the cross product of E and H. Using the vector identity, letting A = E and B = H, we may obtain the necessary terms on the right hand side of by dotting with H and with E.

Inserting and into yields The three terms on the right hand side of may be rewritten as

which gives

Integrating over a given volume V (enclosed by a surface S) and applying the divergence theorem yields

The quantity under the integrand on the left hand side of Poyntings theorem is defined as the Poynting vector.

Radiation Power Density

Em waves are used to transport information through a wireless medium or a guiding structure from one point to another It is natural to assume that power & density are associated with Em fields The quantity used to describe the power associated with an Em wave is instantaneous Poynting vector defined as W=EH where W = instantaneous Poynting vector W/ m2 E = instantaneous electric field intensity V/ m

Since Poynting vector is a power density, the total power crossing a closed surface can be obtained by integrating the normal components of the Poynting vector over the entire surface i.e P = s W.ds = s W. n da where P = instantaneous total power W n = unit vector normal to the surface m2 da = infinitesimal area of the closed surface For time harmonic variations (ejwt), we define the complex fields E & H which are related to their instantaneous counter parts E & H by E(x,y,z)= Re[E(x,y,z)ejwt H(x,y,z)= Re[H(x,y,z)ejwt H = instantaneous magnetic field intensity A/ m