A linearly polarized uniform plane wave, propagating in the forward z direction, is input to a lossless anisotropic material, in which the dielectric constant encountered by waves polarized along y(∈_ry) differs from that seen by waves polarized along x(∈_rx). Suppose ∈_rx = 2.15, ∈_ry = 2.10, and the wave electric field at input is polarized at 45◦ to the positive x and y axes.

(a) Determine, in terms of the free space wavelength, λ, the shortest length of the material, such that the wave, as it emerges from the output, is circularly polarized.

(b) Will the output wave be right or left circularly polarized? Problem 11.30 is good background.