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Maxwell2D: Reflection grating

Dielectric constant distribution

A reflection grating is a type of diffraction grating that exploits the frequency dependence of the angle of reflection from a device with groves that have a spacing of the same order as the wavelength of the light. In this case two frequencies are incident on a reflection grating. Both are reflected significantly in the direction one would expect if the grating were a mirror, but the light is also diffracted into beams at an angle that is frequency dependent. Wikipedia link: Diffraction grating

Electric field animation

This is an animation of the component of the electric field out of the plane of the page.

Average Poynting vector

The direction in which energy is travelling at any instant is proportional to the cross product of the electric and magnetic fields, known as the Poynting vector. The arrows show the direction of the Poynting vector averaged over the simulation, while the colours show its strength.