Teaching Dispersion Effects in Waves Reflected by Lossy Materials: The Optics vs. Electromagnetics Approach

The study of dispersion phenomena in electromagnetic waves reflected by lossy materials at infrared and lower frequencies is a topic which finds a number of applications in microwave and optical engineering. Metamaterials and metasurfaces, for example, are dispersive media which feature unique abilities to control electromagnetic fields, and this has stimulated the development of new and promising applications in the areas of antenna technology, Communications and Electromagnetic Compatibility. A number of other applications can also be found in Optics and Optoelectronic device technologies. From the educational point of view, the learning process of the fundamental principles behind these topics is challenging for both undergraduate and doctoral students. This is in part due to the need of conciliating concepts and mathematical developments that are covered in both Optics and Electromagnetics courses from different perspectives and nomenclature.