Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge / 2020 / ii / Paper 4 / 36D / b / iii / Solution

The condition ${\mathbf{E}}_I\cdot \hat{\mathbf{x}}=0$, together with transversality ${\mathbf{k}}_I\cdot {\mathbf{E}}_I=0$, selects polarization along $\hat{\mathbf{y}}$ away from the normal-incidence degeneracy. Phase matching at a planar wave interface givesThe two dispersion relations give $|{\mathbf{k}}_T{|}^2=({\epsilon }_{+}/{\epsilon }_{-})k_I^2$. Choosing propagation into $x>0$ therefore yieldsEquivalently, this is Snell law for electromagnetic waves with refractive index proportional to $\sqrt{\epsilon }$ because the two media have equal magnetic permeability.