Electric field distribution in 1D layered media: qualitative analysis in the method of single expression

The plane electromagnetic wave amplitude behaviour in a one-dimensional (1D) layered medium is investigated qualitatively by the phase plane method. The analysis relies on the method of single expression (MSE) and permits all types of waves to be observed in homogeneous infinite and confined media without solving the wave equation. Specific phase portraits describing wave amplitude behavior in infinite homogeneous and layered media are presented. The well-known conditions of half-wave layer transparency and quarter-wave layer antireflection are obtained from the corresponding phase portraits. Good agreement with known results for the reflective and transmittive properties of the considered structures are obtained.